CHAPTERVII.

CHAPTERVII.His application to study, love to the holy scriptures, and improvement in divine knowledge.THE first materials of his learning, were not very considerable; he had acquired some knowledge ofLatinin his childhood, but left it off for theMathematics: so that by the time he resumed his grammatical studies, he had almost all to do again. However, the strength of his natural capacity, and intense application to study, after his conversion, soon recovered, what he had lost, with vast increase.From the time of his first, deep concern about salvation, he read, as has been intimated, the word of God, with unwearied application; and every thing else, only as it had some reference to the truths contained therein: and this practice he continued with increasing diligence, and delight, till sickness disqualified him for allstudy. And to such a degree of eminency did he arrive therein, that I believe, it may be said with truth, he was scarce ever a moment waking, wherein he was not either talking of, reading, or meditating on one truth or other contained in holy scripture.At first he read theEnglishbible chiefly; but his endeavours for the good of many of his ignorant countrymen, induced him to read, and get well acquainted with the New Testament inIrishlikewise.He next set himself, to understand the scriptures, both of the Old Testament and the New, in their original. It was not till after he had acquired some tolerable knowledge of theGreekTestament, that he entered upon the study ofHebrew. This was atLondon, aboutDecember 1755. He agreed with aJewto instruct him, at the rate of a shilling an hour. A few lessons served all the ends he needed; and being fully initiated into the genius of the language, he soon became as it were swallowed up in it.The matter of the study so endeared the language to him, that he proceeded therein with incredible swiftness. He discovered every day, such a depth ofhidden wisdom, in the writings ofMoses, and the prophets, read in their own tongue, as he could hardly have conceived from our translation, tho’ for the most part, deemed the best in the world.He ascribed it to a special assistance from heaven, that the study of the tongue, became so easy and pleasant. And I have heard him mention this very particular as an argument (at least to himself) of the regard of heaven, to thisfirst, most simple, and excellent of languages;¹in assisting those who with upright minds enquire into it after the mind of God. And to this purpose he writes as follows.¹“TheHebrew(says archbishopUsher) is the first tongue of the world, and the most orderly speech: in comparison of which all other languages may be condemned for barbarous confusion.”“Sure I am (says an eminent writer) that it ought to be the first language we are taught, after we have learned to lisp our own: and were I worthy to advise, theoriental dialectsshould follow theHebrew, theGreekshould follow theArabic, and theLatinbe acquired by conversation and reading, in the same manner as the modern languages ofEuropeare acquired.”“December 20, 1756.I spent the forenoon in my studies, in which God has, and does greatly assist me. About this time twelve-month I could not read a sentence ofHebrewwith any certainty, or construe a verse with readiness. But now I can read my bible through, and understand it, almost as well asLatinorEnglish. This hath God done, enabling me to read his blessed word in the first and best of languages. O may all my studies and talents be devoted to his glory!”*His application was indeed prodigious. I have known him spend fourteen hours, of the four and twenty, in this study, excepting only the intervals of prayer, which he frequently pouredout for his blessing, whose inspiration alone teacheth mantruewisdom. He often intermixed a verse of praise, or petition; and then, turning his face to the wall, and lifting up his heart and countenance to heaven, with his arms claspt about his breast, he would stand for some time before the Lord in solemn recollection, and then return to his work.*It was a rare thing ever to see him, but with a book in his hand, or speaking of the things of God, or in meditation. When in travelling, he at any time stopt at an inn, as soon as he was showed to his chamber, to stay whether for an hour, or a night; he would take out his littleHebrewpsalter (which was his favourite travelling companion) or some other spiritual book, and fall immediately to his usual work; unless the time was taken up in exhorting the landlord, or servants, or in short, any he met with. Accommodations for his body were his smallest care; and his attention to these, were always, as it were by the bye. He, like the tortoise, had his house always with him, and seemed every where, and yet no where at home, in this world. He pursued his work, well nigh equally, at all times, and in all places, spontaneously to tend to God. Even after preaching, he has immediately resumed his studies, (having books always with him,) and this often, where several persons have been talking, or otherwise employed, as their occasions required round about him. He, stillpursued his work, as tho’ he were retired in a closet: proceeding on the sentiment, that he had no other business in this world, than to pray, and preach, and study, and live in every place, and in every thing, for God!The frequency of hisstatedtimes of prayer, were, at first especially, much interrupted hereby. But he followed the light which he then had; and intending all his acquirements for the glory of God, in the interest of souls, he thought he might on some occasions, (as one expresses it,) “leave God, for God.”He was not, however, without frequent jealousies, lest his intense application, even to this kind of employment, should in any wise, divert his heart from what he most prized, namely, close attention to Jesus. After a while therefore, having mastered the main difficulties in his work, his application became much more moderate. He began to “Learn well to know, how much need not be known.”*One day he writes as follows. “I was all day closely employed at study. But I fear I love my books too much. It is true my studies relate to the word of God: but I often find my mind carried out in desire after languages, arts and sciences; yet I see the vanity of every thing, when separate from God: to be sure, I prize the knowledge of Christcrucifiedabove all other knowledge. To imitate his wisdom, goodness, meekness, patience and love: alas! what areHebrew,Greek,Latin,Logic,Metaphysics, every thing to this! What is any thing to the love of Jesus! O that sweet peace of conscience, and contentment of mind; which arise from redemption in his blood! O Lord, thou knowest that I desire to be great in thy grace; to be armed with thy armour. My soul longs to rise above these little, transitory things. I fain would rest in thee! I thirst for the divine life. I pray for the spirit of illumination. I cast my soul upon Jesus Christ, the God of glory, and Redeemer of the world. I desire to be conformable unto him; his friend, servant, disciple, and sacrifice! Come now my Jesus! See the longings of my soul, and finish the work there.”*From hence may be gathered both, what was the spirit of the man, and the tendency of his studies. He desired to know: but it was God, and the things of God, which he proposed to himself, as the sole matter of his knowledge. For altho’ he read occasionally both logic and metaphysics, history, and natural philosophy, yet it was all with reference to his one grand point. Whatever treasures he gathered from abroad in these, or in any other way; as the industrious bee, collecting her sweets from different flowers, deposits all in one hive; so he reduced, and made all his attainments subservient to, the word of God, and acquaintance with Jesus, as his central point.And his fear, lest in any thing he should deviate from this, had much influence on the regulation of his studies. He well knew, that to have a heart always at leisure for God, attentive to his teaching, and obedient to his dictates, is the great thing to which every design must give place; and that the heart is capable of beingoverchargedwith things, in some respects, lawful and excellent, as with surfeiting and drunkenness, or cares of this life; all of which are therefore, to be as carefully guarded against.And perhaps there are few things by which the spirit of darkness, so serves himself, among thethinkingworld, as by this very particular; diverting the mind from proper application to theone thing needful, not indeed by things sensual, or immoral, which they abhor, and would perhaps be shocked at the thought of; but by things, in some respects innocent, and plausible, if not necessary: it may be by curious speculations on government, the works of nature or grace, and ideal pursuits of various kinds.*BishopTaylormentions it as a saying ofOegidius, “an old, and simple woman who loves Jesus, may be greater than was brotherBonadventure.” And inasmuch as the giving our whole heart to God, is that, without which, nothing in religion is available; if this be not done, is it not the same thing, whether it be through gazing at the stars, catching of butterflies, or committing adultery? The death of the body is as fully affected by the prick of a lancet, as by the strokeof a cannon-ball. And, to such alas, as procure thelossof their own soul, how little difference does it make, whether it was done by the crimes, of the grossest kind, or, by what the flattery of self-love, and a mistaken world calllittle things. He was throughly sensible of his danger in this respect, and began to regulate himself accordingly.He found towards the conclusion of his studies in particular, that moretruewisdom is obtained from God, by prayer and holy meditation in one hour, than from the application of years to folio volumes; and therefore esteemed one single sentiment, gained in this manner, of more value than a thousand speculations acquired by mere dint of study in the way of human science. He perceived well the difference which there is between studying barely to instruct others, (which in its place, is also right and necessary) and studying to perfect one’s self, to produce that purity, and disengagement which is absolutely necessary to receive the true light of the holy Spirit. “The secrets of the kingdom of heaven are not understood thoroughly, but by the sons of the kingdom, and by them, too in several degrees, God distributing to every one severally as he willeth; but to such as know not God, the whole system of this wisdom is insipid and flat, if not totally rejected, dull as the foot of a rock, and unlearned as the elements of our mother tongue. But so are mathematics to a Scythian boar, and music to a camel.”*His settled manner now was, to assign the morning wholly to the reading, first a chapter out of the Old Testament, and frequently some of the psalms inHebrew. Then he read, and digest some part of hisGreekTestament. His manner of doing this, took him up great part of the forenoon: and afterwards, he read, wrote, or was otherwise employed as occasions directed. He frequently had some persons to visit him for instruction in some point of learning; chiefly inHebrew. Two or three young men ofCambridge, at different times, being in town, and knowing him, chose to be initiated by him in theHebrewtongue. He was constantly as communicative as receptive of instruction, withholding nothing from any one, that he thought might be useful to them.He read the scriptures in order; beginning a book, and going thro’ with it regularly; fixing at the same time upon such parts, as had most immediate reference to the doctrines and precepts of the gospel-state of things; which he not only read most frequently, but likewise committed to memory. *And the degree of perfection to which he arrived in this particular, was really surprising. His acquaintance with the letter of scripture, and his retentive memory, supplied him as with a constant concordance. And I believe there was not a remarkable passage, historical, doctrinal, or preceptive, fromGenesisto theRevelation, which he could not, on the bare mention of, turn to immediately.“Thy word (says he) O Lord, I have for mine inheritance for ever. It is the joy of my heart, and of more value to me than millions of worlds. O God, give me understanding, that I may keep thy law! But let my whole dependance be in Jesu’s merits. He is my advocate. Only by faith in him I stand. He is my sure refuge, and portion, in the land of the living!”Being at sea one time, and the weather becoming extremely tempestuous, the mariners themselves were apprehensive of death. He in like manner expected the same, and put into his bosom, a small bible which he had with him, resolving that what he so loved in life, should not be parted from him even in death. Such was his love to, and singular esteem for the word of God.In this manner it was, that he became in truth, a scribe, well instructed to the kingdom of heaven, and brought out of the treasury of his heart-experience, the old and new, and deep things of the word of Jehovah. It was from this fountain he derived his ideas, sentiments and expressions, on all occasions; explaining doctrines, enforcing duties and resolving difficulties, well nigh, altogether in scripture words. Thespirit of wisdomso rested upon him, that there was nothing of a divine nature, which occurred to his own mind, or was proposed to him by others, respecting doctrines, experience, or practice, of whichhe could not speak with convincing clearness and satisfaction.He had a singular faculty for throwing light upon doubtful cases; and it was not unusual with him, by two or three words to set to rights, and entirely quiet the minds of persons, perplexed before, about points of doctrine, or experience. A most remarkable instance of this I remember to have known inIreland: a person who was greatly embarrassed in his mind concerning a point in religion, which appeared to him of great importance, and who had received no satisfaction from all his former researches on the head, came toMr.Walsh, and related the matter to him; which having heard, he only asked one question, requiring the person to answer. And whether it was, that God, just then shone upon the man’s soul, and by his immediate light solved the difficulty; or whether it was through mere rational conviction, resulting from the arguments implied in his question, I know not; but he was instantly satisfied, and being convinced of his former mistake, had no further uneasiness on the head.His insight into the invisible world, so realized to him things to come, that he spake of them as one who both heard and saw them. And they had their proportionable influence on the whole of his behaviour. He acted as in the immediate presence of God; and thus went on reading and meditating day and night, in the law of hisGod; and devouring, like anotherEzekiel, the whole divine volume.

His application to study, love to the holy scriptures, and improvement in divine knowledge.

THE first materials of his learning, were not very considerable; he had acquired some knowledge ofLatinin his childhood, but left it off for theMathematics: so that by the time he resumed his grammatical studies, he had almost all to do again. However, the strength of his natural capacity, and intense application to study, after his conversion, soon recovered, what he had lost, with vast increase.

From the time of his first, deep concern about salvation, he read, as has been intimated, the word of God, with unwearied application; and every thing else, only as it had some reference to the truths contained therein: and this practice he continued with increasing diligence, and delight, till sickness disqualified him for allstudy. And to such a degree of eminency did he arrive therein, that I believe, it may be said with truth, he was scarce ever a moment waking, wherein he was not either talking of, reading, or meditating on one truth or other contained in holy scripture.

At first he read theEnglishbible chiefly; but his endeavours for the good of many of his ignorant countrymen, induced him to read, and get well acquainted with the New Testament inIrishlikewise.

He next set himself, to understand the scriptures, both of the Old Testament and the New, in their original. It was not till after he had acquired some tolerable knowledge of theGreekTestament, that he entered upon the study ofHebrew. This was atLondon, aboutDecember 1755. He agreed with aJewto instruct him, at the rate of a shilling an hour. A few lessons served all the ends he needed; and being fully initiated into the genius of the language, he soon became as it were swallowed up in it.

The matter of the study so endeared the language to him, that he proceeded therein with incredible swiftness. He discovered every day, such a depth ofhidden wisdom, in the writings ofMoses, and the prophets, read in their own tongue, as he could hardly have conceived from our translation, tho’ for the most part, deemed the best in the world.

He ascribed it to a special assistance from heaven, that the study of the tongue, became so easy and pleasant. And I have heard him mention this very particular as an argument (at least to himself) of the regard of heaven, to thisfirst, most simple, and excellent of languages;¹in assisting those who with upright minds enquire into it after the mind of God. And to this purpose he writes as follows.

¹“TheHebrew(says archbishopUsher) is the first tongue of the world, and the most orderly speech: in comparison of which all other languages may be condemned for barbarous confusion.”“Sure I am (says an eminent writer) that it ought to be the first language we are taught, after we have learned to lisp our own: and were I worthy to advise, theoriental dialectsshould follow theHebrew, theGreekshould follow theArabic, and theLatinbe acquired by conversation and reading, in the same manner as the modern languages ofEuropeare acquired.”

¹“TheHebrew(says archbishopUsher) is the first tongue of the world, and the most orderly speech: in comparison of which all other languages may be condemned for barbarous confusion.”

“Sure I am (says an eminent writer) that it ought to be the first language we are taught, after we have learned to lisp our own: and were I worthy to advise, theoriental dialectsshould follow theHebrew, theGreekshould follow theArabic, and theLatinbe acquired by conversation and reading, in the same manner as the modern languages ofEuropeare acquired.”

“December 20, 1756.I spent the forenoon in my studies, in which God has, and does greatly assist me. About this time twelve-month I could not read a sentence ofHebrewwith any certainty, or construe a verse with readiness. But now I can read my bible through, and understand it, almost as well asLatinorEnglish. This hath God done, enabling me to read his blessed word in the first and best of languages. O may all my studies and talents be devoted to his glory!”

*His application was indeed prodigious. I have known him spend fourteen hours, of the four and twenty, in this study, excepting only the intervals of prayer, which he frequently pouredout for his blessing, whose inspiration alone teacheth mantruewisdom. He often intermixed a verse of praise, or petition; and then, turning his face to the wall, and lifting up his heart and countenance to heaven, with his arms claspt about his breast, he would stand for some time before the Lord in solemn recollection, and then return to his work.

*It was a rare thing ever to see him, but with a book in his hand, or speaking of the things of God, or in meditation. When in travelling, he at any time stopt at an inn, as soon as he was showed to his chamber, to stay whether for an hour, or a night; he would take out his littleHebrewpsalter (which was his favourite travelling companion) or some other spiritual book, and fall immediately to his usual work; unless the time was taken up in exhorting the landlord, or servants, or in short, any he met with. Accommodations for his body were his smallest care; and his attention to these, were always, as it were by the bye. He, like the tortoise, had his house always with him, and seemed every where, and yet no where at home, in this world. He pursued his work, well nigh equally, at all times, and in all places, spontaneously to tend to God. Even after preaching, he has immediately resumed his studies, (having books always with him,) and this often, where several persons have been talking, or otherwise employed, as their occasions required round about him. He, stillpursued his work, as tho’ he were retired in a closet: proceeding on the sentiment, that he had no other business in this world, than to pray, and preach, and study, and live in every place, and in every thing, for God!

The frequency of hisstatedtimes of prayer, were, at first especially, much interrupted hereby. But he followed the light which he then had; and intending all his acquirements for the glory of God, in the interest of souls, he thought he might on some occasions, (as one expresses it,) “leave God, for God.”

He was not, however, without frequent jealousies, lest his intense application, even to this kind of employment, should in any wise, divert his heart from what he most prized, namely, close attention to Jesus. After a while therefore, having mastered the main difficulties in his work, his application became much more moderate. He began to “Learn well to know, how much need not be known.”

*One day he writes as follows. “I was all day closely employed at study. But I fear I love my books too much. It is true my studies relate to the word of God: but I often find my mind carried out in desire after languages, arts and sciences; yet I see the vanity of every thing, when separate from God: to be sure, I prize the knowledge of Christcrucifiedabove all other knowledge. To imitate his wisdom, goodness, meekness, patience and love: alas! what areHebrew,Greek,Latin,Logic,Metaphysics, every thing to this! What is any thing to the love of Jesus! O that sweet peace of conscience, and contentment of mind; which arise from redemption in his blood! O Lord, thou knowest that I desire to be great in thy grace; to be armed with thy armour. My soul longs to rise above these little, transitory things. I fain would rest in thee! I thirst for the divine life. I pray for the spirit of illumination. I cast my soul upon Jesus Christ, the God of glory, and Redeemer of the world. I desire to be conformable unto him; his friend, servant, disciple, and sacrifice! Come now my Jesus! See the longings of my soul, and finish the work there.”

*From hence may be gathered both, what was the spirit of the man, and the tendency of his studies. He desired to know: but it was God, and the things of God, which he proposed to himself, as the sole matter of his knowledge. For altho’ he read occasionally both logic and metaphysics, history, and natural philosophy, yet it was all with reference to his one grand point. Whatever treasures he gathered from abroad in these, or in any other way; as the industrious bee, collecting her sweets from different flowers, deposits all in one hive; so he reduced, and made all his attainments subservient to, the word of God, and acquaintance with Jesus, as his central point.

And his fear, lest in any thing he should deviate from this, had much influence on the regulation of his studies. He well knew, that to have a heart always at leisure for God, attentive to his teaching, and obedient to his dictates, is the great thing to which every design must give place; and that the heart is capable of beingoverchargedwith things, in some respects, lawful and excellent, as with surfeiting and drunkenness, or cares of this life; all of which are therefore, to be as carefully guarded against.

And perhaps there are few things by which the spirit of darkness, so serves himself, among thethinkingworld, as by this very particular; diverting the mind from proper application to theone thing needful, not indeed by things sensual, or immoral, which they abhor, and would perhaps be shocked at the thought of; but by things, in some respects innocent, and plausible, if not necessary: it may be by curious speculations on government, the works of nature or grace, and ideal pursuits of various kinds.

*BishopTaylormentions it as a saying ofOegidius, “an old, and simple woman who loves Jesus, may be greater than was brotherBonadventure.” And inasmuch as the giving our whole heart to God, is that, without which, nothing in religion is available; if this be not done, is it not the same thing, whether it be through gazing at the stars, catching of butterflies, or committing adultery? The death of the body is as fully affected by the prick of a lancet, as by the strokeof a cannon-ball. And, to such alas, as procure thelossof their own soul, how little difference does it make, whether it was done by the crimes, of the grossest kind, or, by what the flattery of self-love, and a mistaken world calllittle things. He was throughly sensible of his danger in this respect, and began to regulate himself accordingly.

He found towards the conclusion of his studies in particular, that moretruewisdom is obtained from God, by prayer and holy meditation in one hour, than from the application of years to folio volumes; and therefore esteemed one single sentiment, gained in this manner, of more value than a thousand speculations acquired by mere dint of study in the way of human science. He perceived well the difference which there is between studying barely to instruct others, (which in its place, is also right and necessary) and studying to perfect one’s self, to produce that purity, and disengagement which is absolutely necessary to receive the true light of the holy Spirit. “The secrets of the kingdom of heaven are not understood thoroughly, but by the sons of the kingdom, and by them, too in several degrees, God distributing to every one severally as he willeth; but to such as know not God, the whole system of this wisdom is insipid and flat, if not totally rejected, dull as the foot of a rock, and unlearned as the elements of our mother tongue. But so are mathematics to a Scythian boar, and music to a camel.”

*His settled manner now was, to assign the morning wholly to the reading, first a chapter out of the Old Testament, and frequently some of the psalms inHebrew. Then he read, and digest some part of hisGreekTestament. His manner of doing this, took him up great part of the forenoon: and afterwards, he read, wrote, or was otherwise employed as occasions directed. He frequently had some persons to visit him for instruction in some point of learning; chiefly inHebrew. Two or three young men ofCambridge, at different times, being in town, and knowing him, chose to be initiated by him in theHebrewtongue. He was constantly as communicative as receptive of instruction, withholding nothing from any one, that he thought might be useful to them.

He read the scriptures in order; beginning a book, and going thro’ with it regularly; fixing at the same time upon such parts, as had most immediate reference to the doctrines and precepts of the gospel-state of things; which he not only read most frequently, but likewise committed to memory. *And the degree of perfection to which he arrived in this particular, was really surprising. His acquaintance with the letter of scripture, and his retentive memory, supplied him as with a constant concordance. And I believe there was not a remarkable passage, historical, doctrinal, or preceptive, fromGenesisto theRevelation, which he could not, on the bare mention of, turn to immediately.

“Thy word (says he) O Lord, I have for mine inheritance for ever. It is the joy of my heart, and of more value to me than millions of worlds. O God, give me understanding, that I may keep thy law! But let my whole dependance be in Jesu’s merits. He is my advocate. Only by faith in him I stand. He is my sure refuge, and portion, in the land of the living!”

Being at sea one time, and the weather becoming extremely tempestuous, the mariners themselves were apprehensive of death. He in like manner expected the same, and put into his bosom, a small bible which he had with him, resolving that what he so loved in life, should not be parted from him even in death. Such was his love to, and singular esteem for the word of God.

In this manner it was, that he became in truth, a scribe, well instructed to the kingdom of heaven, and brought out of the treasury of his heart-experience, the old and new, and deep things of the word of Jehovah. It was from this fountain he derived his ideas, sentiments and expressions, on all occasions; explaining doctrines, enforcing duties and resolving difficulties, well nigh, altogether in scripture words. Thespirit of wisdomso rested upon him, that there was nothing of a divine nature, which occurred to his own mind, or was proposed to him by others, respecting doctrines, experience, or practice, of whichhe could not speak with convincing clearness and satisfaction.

He had a singular faculty for throwing light upon doubtful cases; and it was not unusual with him, by two or three words to set to rights, and entirely quiet the minds of persons, perplexed before, about points of doctrine, or experience. A most remarkable instance of this I remember to have known inIreland: a person who was greatly embarrassed in his mind concerning a point in religion, which appeared to him of great importance, and who had received no satisfaction from all his former researches on the head, came toMr.Walsh, and related the matter to him; which having heard, he only asked one question, requiring the person to answer. And whether it was, that God, just then shone upon the man’s soul, and by his immediate light solved the difficulty; or whether it was through mere rational conviction, resulting from the arguments implied in his question, I know not; but he was instantly satisfied, and being convinced of his former mistake, had no further uneasiness on the head.

His insight into the invisible world, so realized to him things to come, that he spake of them as one who both heard and saw them. And they had their proportionable influence on the whole of his behaviour. He acted as in the immediate presence of God; and thus went on reading and meditating day and night, in the law of hisGod; and devouring, like anotherEzekiel, the whole divine volume.

CHAPTERVIII.His manner of preaching.AT first his sermons consisted chiefly, of a number of well chosen texts of scripture, suited to the particular subject on which he treated, and which, he, for the most part, cited with both the chapter and verse. He had in this manner formed, as it were, a body of divinity in his head, which was a kind of store house of his sermons. Time and experience however, brought him off from the custom of, so particularly citing the places of the scriptures, he made use of; unless where he judged it singularly useful, both for the conviction and satisfaction of the hearers.*A constant course of reading, much conversation with the children of God, and the acquaintance, which a life of faith, meditation and prayer, gave him with God, and with the motions of his own soul, greatly extended his views into divine things in general; and furnished him with variety of subjects for the edification and comfort of the church of God: so that in the last two or three years of his course, his sermonshad in them depth, and solidity, far beyond those of his former years.The state of his own heart, had much influence on the particular subjects of his sermons: as is surely the case with all, to whom preaching is not a mere business of course: but on the contrary, an affair of the weightiest importance in the world, requiring the deepest attention and most circumspect walking. He knew that the words of anunfeelingheart, are but empty sounds; and that although they might please for the present, they rarely profit the hearers. And it was on this account, that attending constantly to the motions of his own soul, he hardly ever preached a sermon, without conveying nearly the like sensations to others, whether of deep contrition of spirit, holy mourning, or spiritual joy, which he felt in his own soul.“When, says he, I am in heaviness, I am led to speak chiefly of trials; when lively and fervent, I am led to speak of the comforts of believers; and when I am hungering and thirsting after righteousness, I press upon others to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and to perfect holiness. And hence I learn,1st. How needful it is for a preacher to be in a right spirit himself, whenever he speaks to others. And,2dly, The wisdom of God, in so ordering, that every soul might receive its portion of themilk of the wordin due season.”*All his sermons might be truly said to be his own from God. He stole not the word from his neighbour, nor catched at trivial incidents to furnish him with an hour’s discourse. His heart was a treasury well furnished, insomuch that he was never at a loss for something in season: even sometimes when he has been so taken up with other parts of his calling, as not to have the least time forpreparingto preach; yet the pourings out of his feeling soul, evidenced themselves to waiting hearts, to be of God.*There was nothing whining, light, or trivial in his discourses; nothing put on; nothing that could excite levity, much less laughter; but rather, and which was commonly the case, groans and tears and cries. His sermons had in them such a depth of divine truth, confirmed by the word of God, with such a greatness and majesty as begot in the hearers an awe and reverence, which removed far away, all petulancy and thoughtless irreverence of spirit: and produced in many a solemnity and attention of soul, becoming those who hear discourses for life, or death eternal. To all of which, his grave and mortified countenance, contributed not a little. In short his whole behaviour in the pulpit was such, as became a messenger of God, put in trust with the ministry of reconciliation.His discourses were suited to give a portion to everyone, as their need required; milk for babes, and for stronger men, stronger meat: thoughstill they had this tendency, with regard to all, to excite people’s hearts to the pure love of God. *And although he preachedfaith in Christas the only way, of obtaining all the good things of grace and glory, yet he did it in such a manner as effectually to guard it against the abuse of libertines, who turn the freeness of the grace of God, into an occasion of wantonness; who while they promise liberty to others, are, at the same time servants of corruption. Persons of this character could not in the least serve themselves from his discourses; in every one of which he so preached faith in Christ, as toestablish the law, in its true sense, that is, to secure all the interests of genuine holiness, both in heart and life; all the fruits of righteousness; the most rigorous regard to mens duty to God, their neighbour, and themselves.When he first began to preach, his chief talent seemed to be for quickening such as were dead in trespasses and sins; for terrifying careless sinners with the dread of God’s judgments, alarming them, as it were, to flee from the wrath to come. It was♦truly said of him,“He fierce on the Philistines flies,Compelsthe captives to come in;Spoils Satan of his lawful prize,And tears them from the toils of sin.”♦“tuly” replaced with “truly”His courage and resolution in this, were such as are rarely to be found. He judged, that there was nothing more likely to pull down the strong holds of Satan, than to lay the axe to the root of sin; and in all his sermons, he ever used to discover its detestable nature, pressing upon the conscience, an entire purgation from dead works. And he did it in such a manner as often pierced the very joints and marrow of his hearers.It was easy to discover in him likewise, the utmost impartiality. Knowing that he was to deliver his Lord’s message, he spared no man from any human regards: but boldly detecting their sin, commended himself to every man’s conscience in thesight of God.And yet, his zeal was tempered with wisdom and discretion for notwithstanding his pressing vehemently upon the conscience of his hearers, in all his sermons, yet (although some were sometimes offended) they were never able to resist the authority by which he spake.But it was not as aBoanerges, a son of thunder only, that he excelled. His own happy experience, of the forgiving, healing, and comforting virtue of the blood of Jesus; together with his mighty acquaintance with the promises of life in him, fitted him for administring comfort, and much encouragement to the weary, and the heavy-laden with sin; To such, he was in truth, ason of consolation; his lips dropped sweetness to them, as the honey-comb.*O God, how many a bleeding wound hast thou made him an instrument of healing, by pouring into the hearts of the disconsolate,the wine and oilof the gospel, in a rich profusion of those precious, golden promises, which being ratified to us by the holy blood of thy dear Son, are all yea, and amen in him, to thine eternal glory! Yes,“Refreshing, soft, as vernal showers,His word, on weary sinners falls,Or, like the rapid torrent pours,While souls to Jesu’s blood he calls!”*It was scarcely possible for the most icy, and rocky heart, to remain long so under his moving and authoritative discourse, laid home to the conscience, by the sword of the Spirit, which, like the flaming sword in paradise, turned every way, to every heart. And accordingly, it was a very rare thing for him ever to preach a sermon, without sending some away, either broken-hearted, rejoicing in God, or increased more or less, in the knowledge of the Crucified.*Towards the latter part of his progress, the two last years of his life especially, the whole bent of his soul, his reading, meditations, prayer, conversation and preaching, tended altogether, to thedeep things of God, (1 Corinthiansii.10.) the so perfectly loving him, withallthe capacity of the soul and body, as the state of humanitycan admit. The entire salvation of God, from all sin, to all the mind that was in Christ Jesus, was now his constant, and most beloved theme, both in public and private. And he omitted nothing which might either inform his judgment, or affect his own, or the hearts of others, in reference to this most interesting concern of the children of God.*His thoughts on the head became therefore thoroughly digested; so that there was hardly an objection which either Satan, men, or the heart of unbelief could bring against it, for which he had not a convincing answer. Hisownheart-acquaintance therewith, will be seen from a subsequent account of his experience. The light which he had into the nature, and his fervent manner of enforcing the worth, and necessity of Christian holiness, was one great means of enkindling, in the hearts of many, thatfireof pure love, to God and man, which has since his death likewise, increased more abundantly, and still burns (O may it ever burn!) amongst us, to the greater glory of God. Only such as were experimental witnesses of it, having a true relish for things of so high a nature, can rightly conceive of the abilities, with which God endowed him, for this part of his work; of the manner in which, he,With strength and utterance from aboveUrg’d on the saints thro’ grace forgiven,To scale the mount of holiest love,To seize the brightest throne in heaven!In all his discourses on the subject, he as much as may be, carefully avoidedhis ownwords, both in explaining, and enforcing its nature, extent, and the means of attaining thereto. He did it in the words which the Holy Ghost teacheth, explaining those spiritual things, with spiritual words: (1 Corinthiansii.13.) while in the mean time, his fervent and affecting manner of urging them, and indeed every other part of the doctrine of salvation, commanded,——“Audience and attention, still as nightOr summers noon-tide air.”He had not, it must be acknowledged, at least he had but little made use of, theartof preaching: not indeed that he was ignorant of such rules as, orators lay down for ordering, and conducting public discourses. His knowledge both ofLogicandRhetoricwas far from being inconsiderable. He had both read, and in some good degree, digested the principles of both. But the eagerness with which he proceeded in his work; and the rapid flow of his soul, sending forth itsgood matter, not like the distilling of a water-pot, but as a plentiful shower from the heavens, watering deep and wide all around, did not suffer him to attend, with exactness, to such niceties in composition or delivery: nay, even prevented that moderation, as to the length, and manner of delivering his discourses, which would havebeen much more easy to himself, and to his audience, many of them being often in pain for him.*Yet afterwards, when the repeated advice of his friends, and the necessity of his constitution, obliged him to a more slow, and deliberate manner, some ascribed it to (what they called) hiswant of power; such is the folly and weakness of many, in their sentiments with regard to this particular! How common is it to imagine, that the presence and power of the Spirit of God, and that influence by which souls are awakened, justified, or built up in holiness, depends upon the loudness of the preacher’s voice, or the swiftness of his expression? In other words, upon the strength of a man’s lungs, and it may be, the assurance of his gesture and utterance. A sentiment not more strange to the truly wise, than it is common with many. As though noise, and animal activity should be dignified with the names ofspirit and power, and the want of them ascribed to dryness, deadness and formality! Strictly speaking indeed, there is nonecessarydivine power in any man’smannerof speaking, whether loud or low, swiftly or softly.It is the Spirit that quickeneth, and as he pleaseth; and it may be questioned, whether effects that have been sometimes produced, by a loud, vehement, and overbearing manner of speaking, were not in great measure merely mechanical, if not ofSatanhimself, to cast an odium upon thework of God. In truth the most substantial, genuine effects of the gospel ministry, arise from its delivery, not with noise and human vehemence, (which often rather calls off the mind from the inward life and communion with God:) but with distinct calmness, and wise deliberation.There may often be a strong wind, an earthquake, and fire; but the Lordis in the still, small voice, (1 Kingsxix.11. 12.) and those are only in order to this. His word, it is true, is a sword, and a hammer, which wounds and breaks human hearts in pieces; and any one’smannerof speaking contributes towards this so far as it is to be commended. But considered independently of this (which is too often the case) the loudness of a man’s voice is in reality no better than the blowing of a trumpet, or the sound of a drum.Not by might, or by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.What is here intended, is nakedly to represent a common mistake, in order to its removal.His sermons were seldom less than an hour long; and yet, had in them such an agreeable variety, that they were rarely, if ever tedious, unless to such as wanted a savour for the things of God.He was always at the conclusion, in a bath of sweat. And the place of preaching being often at some distance from his lodging, his suddenly growing cold again, was one reason of the frequencyof the fevers which he had from time to time, during his whole life of public labour.He often resolved before he began to preach, to restrain the rapidity of his spirit, but in vain: “The sword (as he once said to me) being too keen for the scabbard.” The fervour of his soul broke through all his resolutions, but wasted at the same time, the very springs of life, which he felt immediately afterwards.With regard to the manner of his preparing for sermons, he seemed to keep between the two extremes, neglect of all actual, previous preparation, and a dry scholastic composition of exact materials. To have no regard to the matter, and manner of his discourses before hand, under the pretence of dependance upon heaven, for immediate influence and utterance, he judged to be rank enthusiasm; and often, a cloke for a lazy, indolence of spirit; on account, of which, nonsense has been too often dignified with the sacred names ofinspirationand power. And yet, he judged it alike culpable, to seek after and trust to mere dry human skill, in fixing upon heads, and taking such measures, as to preach only ones self, independant as it were, on the quickening, enlighting presence of theHoly Ghost, without which all preaching and all hearing are vain.*He prayed and studied, and studied and prayed again, going always (unless necessity prevented) from his closet and off his knees, intothe pulpit. But when he came there, he gave himself up wholly into the hands of God, to be actuated and used by him, in all respects, as might be most for his glory. And it was glorious and wonderful, to see the good effects, which were produced at those times, by the words of God flowing from his lips, and entering into the heart, without indeed the ornaments of studied eloquence, but in their native majesty and simplicity; such as they are in themselves, and as he himself relished them. One circumstance relating to his manner, was, that he almost always begun, and in general concluded his sermons with a text of scripture: but so judiciously chosen, as seldom failed to touch the heart, and frequently to cast light on the whole subject.One might easily gather from his way of preaching, how sensible he was of a mistake in many preachers, who content themselves, supposing there be butdemonstrationin their sermons, that they have spoken things which cannot be gainsay’d. Whereas if there be nothing more than clearness of demonstration, it may indeed be said to the preacher,thou preachest well; but what then? Who are quickened in their pursuit of God and heaven? Who hates his sins? Or who loves God the more for your discourse? Now where these are not to be found, may not a sinner as well be hearkening to a mathematician demonstratingEuclid’s elements, as to a preacher preaching thus?It was far from satisfying him that his sermons had in them sufficient demonstration. Still retaining in mind, What is theendof preaching, bringing souls acquainted with, and building them up in God; he rated his sermons accordingly: and for the more effectual promotion of this, studied to be well acquainted with all the motions of the human heart, pointing his discourses there continually; laying hold, as it were of its very inmost thoughts, and with the sinners own weapons, slaying the enemies of his salvation. He applied to the conscience at every turn, and after having at any time demonstrated a peculiarly interesting truth of a general nature, he always took care to make it a personal thing, by questioning the heart of every one concerning their part therein. He frequently introduced, by way of comparison, many of the incidental occurrences in life, things respecting callings, families, and a thousand little matters, by which the great concerns of the soul enter more deeply and sensibly into the minds of the common people. I have heard a woman of known integrity say, that intending one evening to have his judgment, after preaching on several particulars, which were a weight to her mind; he so anticipated every objection, and answered them in the sermon, that she needed no farther enquiry.*It was usual with him in his sermons, to propose and answer divers cases of conscience,which was an inexpressible satisfaction to many. In describing of vices (for which he was eminently remarkable) he did not so much dwell upon the vice itself abstractedly, as he shewed thepersonsto themselves, who were guilty thereof; and represented the unavoidable danger of such as lived and died therein. It was not so muchpride, envy, anger, lust, drunkenness, swearing, and the like, which he painted in their detestable nature, (though he did this also;) but his drift at such times, was to describe theproud, theenvious, theangry, and thelustful man; to alarm the drunkard, and the swearer,&c.as with the voice of thunder, to escape for their lives. The most guilty person can sit and hear his vice described, with composure enough; but the conscience of a sinner cannot so easily escape, when the preacher speaking as it were to one person (though without particularizing any) charges it home,Thou art the man. It was in this way that his sermons were, by the grace of God, effectual to the awakening and converting of so many.His whole life being one series of holy living and mental improvement, preserved his heart, like an ever-fresh, and overflowing fountain, which on every occasion poured forth its fruitful streams of holy doctrine, and persuasive exhortation. It was easy to discern, that hefeltthe things he delivered. He gave himself wholly tothis one thing; and, which was the crowning glory of all, was himself a pattern of the truths he taught.His own example strengthens all his laws;He is himself the gracious saint he draws.*Indeed this was first and last, his main concern, That while he ministered to the wants of others, he might not sustain loss in his own soul, nor have to take up that sad complaint,They made me keeper of the vineyards, but mine own vineyard have I not kept.¹It is a fearful case for a preacher, to be only like a channel in a garden, through which the water runs to cool and moisten the herbs and flowers, but nothing for its own use; if not like the spoils of bevers, sheep and silk-worms, designed to cloath others, which are made the occasion of their own nakedness, if not the cause of their death. This indeed is never the intention of God, concerning his servants; but men bring it upon themselves through the abuse of his favours. What is this but to build a fortune for others, upon the ruins of one’s own house, whileafter preaching to others, thou thyself dost become a castaway.¹Canticlesi.6.

His manner of preaching.

AT first his sermons consisted chiefly, of a number of well chosen texts of scripture, suited to the particular subject on which he treated, and which, he, for the most part, cited with both the chapter and verse. He had in this manner formed, as it were, a body of divinity in his head, which was a kind of store house of his sermons. Time and experience however, brought him off from the custom of, so particularly citing the places of the scriptures, he made use of; unless where he judged it singularly useful, both for the conviction and satisfaction of the hearers.

*A constant course of reading, much conversation with the children of God, and the acquaintance, which a life of faith, meditation and prayer, gave him with God, and with the motions of his own soul, greatly extended his views into divine things in general; and furnished him with variety of subjects for the edification and comfort of the church of God: so that in the last two or three years of his course, his sermonshad in them depth, and solidity, far beyond those of his former years.

The state of his own heart, had much influence on the particular subjects of his sermons: as is surely the case with all, to whom preaching is not a mere business of course: but on the contrary, an affair of the weightiest importance in the world, requiring the deepest attention and most circumspect walking. He knew that the words of anunfeelingheart, are but empty sounds; and that although they might please for the present, they rarely profit the hearers. And it was on this account, that attending constantly to the motions of his own soul, he hardly ever preached a sermon, without conveying nearly the like sensations to others, whether of deep contrition of spirit, holy mourning, or spiritual joy, which he felt in his own soul.

“When, says he, I am in heaviness, I am led to speak chiefly of trials; when lively and fervent, I am led to speak of the comforts of believers; and when I am hungering and thirsting after righteousness, I press upon others to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and to perfect holiness. And hence I learn,1st. How needful it is for a preacher to be in a right spirit himself, whenever he speaks to others. And,2dly, The wisdom of God, in so ordering, that every soul might receive its portion of themilk of the wordin due season.”

*All his sermons might be truly said to be his own from God. He stole not the word from his neighbour, nor catched at trivial incidents to furnish him with an hour’s discourse. His heart was a treasury well furnished, insomuch that he was never at a loss for something in season: even sometimes when he has been so taken up with other parts of his calling, as not to have the least time forpreparingto preach; yet the pourings out of his feeling soul, evidenced themselves to waiting hearts, to be of God.

*There was nothing whining, light, or trivial in his discourses; nothing put on; nothing that could excite levity, much less laughter; but rather, and which was commonly the case, groans and tears and cries. His sermons had in them such a depth of divine truth, confirmed by the word of God, with such a greatness and majesty as begot in the hearers an awe and reverence, which removed far away, all petulancy and thoughtless irreverence of spirit: and produced in many a solemnity and attention of soul, becoming those who hear discourses for life, or death eternal. To all of which, his grave and mortified countenance, contributed not a little. In short his whole behaviour in the pulpit was such, as became a messenger of God, put in trust with the ministry of reconciliation.

His discourses were suited to give a portion to everyone, as their need required; milk for babes, and for stronger men, stronger meat: thoughstill they had this tendency, with regard to all, to excite people’s hearts to the pure love of God. *And although he preachedfaith in Christas the only way, of obtaining all the good things of grace and glory, yet he did it in such a manner as effectually to guard it against the abuse of libertines, who turn the freeness of the grace of God, into an occasion of wantonness; who while they promise liberty to others, are, at the same time servants of corruption. Persons of this character could not in the least serve themselves from his discourses; in every one of which he so preached faith in Christ, as toestablish the law, in its true sense, that is, to secure all the interests of genuine holiness, both in heart and life; all the fruits of righteousness; the most rigorous regard to mens duty to God, their neighbour, and themselves.

When he first began to preach, his chief talent seemed to be for quickening such as were dead in trespasses and sins; for terrifying careless sinners with the dread of God’s judgments, alarming them, as it were, to flee from the wrath to come. It was♦truly said of him,

“He fierce on the Philistines flies,Compelsthe captives to come in;Spoils Satan of his lawful prize,And tears them from the toils of sin.”

“He fierce on the Philistines flies,

Compelsthe captives to come in;

Spoils Satan of his lawful prize,

And tears them from the toils of sin.”

♦“tuly” replaced with “truly”

His courage and resolution in this, were such as are rarely to be found. He judged, that there was nothing more likely to pull down the strong holds of Satan, than to lay the axe to the root of sin; and in all his sermons, he ever used to discover its detestable nature, pressing upon the conscience, an entire purgation from dead works. And he did it in such a manner as often pierced the very joints and marrow of his hearers.

It was easy to discover in him likewise, the utmost impartiality. Knowing that he was to deliver his Lord’s message, he spared no man from any human regards: but boldly detecting their sin, commended himself to every man’s conscience in thesight of God.

And yet, his zeal was tempered with wisdom and discretion for notwithstanding his pressing vehemently upon the conscience of his hearers, in all his sermons, yet (although some were sometimes offended) they were never able to resist the authority by which he spake.

But it was not as aBoanerges, a son of thunder only, that he excelled. His own happy experience, of the forgiving, healing, and comforting virtue of the blood of Jesus; together with his mighty acquaintance with the promises of life in him, fitted him for administring comfort, and much encouragement to the weary, and the heavy-laden with sin; To such, he was in truth, ason of consolation; his lips dropped sweetness to them, as the honey-comb.

*O God, how many a bleeding wound hast thou made him an instrument of healing, by pouring into the hearts of the disconsolate,the wine and oilof the gospel, in a rich profusion of those precious, golden promises, which being ratified to us by the holy blood of thy dear Son, are all yea, and amen in him, to thine eternal glory! Yes,

“Refreshing, soft, as vernal showers,His word, on weary sinners falls,Or, like the rapid torrent pours,While souls to Jesu’s blood he calls!”

“Refreshing, soft, as vernal showers,

His word, on weary sinners falls,

Or, like the rapid torrent pours,

While souls to Jesu’s blood he calls!”

*It was scarcely possible for the most icy, and rocky heart, to remain long so under his moving and authoritative discourse, laid home to the conscience, by the sword of the Spirit, which, like the flaming sword in paradise, turned every way, to every heart. And accordingly, it was a very rare thing for him ever to preach a sermon, without sending some away, either broken-hearted, rejoicing in God, or increased more or less, in the knowledge of the Crucified.

*Towards the latter part of his progress, the two last years of his life especially, the whole bent of his soul, his reading, meditations, prayer, conversation and preaching, tended altogether, to thedeep things of God, (1 Corinthiansii.10.) the so perfectly loving him, withallthe capacity of the soul and body, as the state of humanitycan admit. The entire salvation of God, from all sin, to all the mind that was in Christ Jesus, was now his constant, and most beloved theme, both in public and private. And he omitted nothing which might either inform his judgment, or affect his own, or the hearts of others, in reference to this most interesting concern of the children of God.

*His thoughts on the head became therefore thoroughly digested; so that there was hardly an objection which either Satan, men, or the heart of unbelief could bring against it, for which he had not a convincing answer. Hisownheart-acquaintance therewith, will be seen from a subsequent account of his experience. The light which he had into the nature, and his fervent manner of enforcing the worth, and necessity of Christian holiness, was one great means of enkindling, in the hearts of many, thatfireof pure love, to God and man, which has since his death likewise, increased more abundantly, and still burns (O may it ever burn!) amongst us, to the greater glory of God. Only such as were experimental witnesses of it, having a true relish for things of so high a nature, can rightly conceive of the abilities, with which God endowed him, for this part of his work; of the manner in which, he,

With strength and utterance from aboveUrg’d on the saints thro’ grace forgiven,To scale the mount of holiest love,To seize the brightest throne in heaven!

With strength and utterance from above

Urg’d on the saints thro’ grace forgiven,

To scale the mount of holiest love,

To seize the brightest throne in heaven!

In all his discourses on the subject, he as much as may be, carefully avoidedhis ownwords, both in explaining, and enforcing its nature, extent, and the means of attaining thereto. He did it in the words which the Holy Ghost teacheth, explaining those spiritual things, with spiritual words: (1 Corinthiansii.13.) while in the mean time, his fervent and affecting manner of urging them, and indeed every other part of the doctrine of salvation, commanded,

——“Audience and attention, still as nightOr summers noon-tide air.”

——“Audience and attention, still as night

Or summers noon-tide air.”

He had not, it must be acknowledged, at least he had but little made use of, theartof preaching: not indeed that he was ignorant of such rules as, orators lay down for ordering, and conducting public discourses. His knowledge both ofLogicandRhetoricwas far from being inconsiderable. He had both read, and in some good degree, digested the principles of both. But the eagerness with which he proceeded in his work; and the rapid flow of his soul, sending forth itsgood matter, not like the distilling of a water-pot, but as a plentiful shower from the heavens, watering deep and wide all around, did not suffer him to attend, with exactness, to such niceties in composition or delivery: nay, even prevented that moderation, as to the length, and manner of delivering his discourses, which would havebeen much more easy to himself, and to his audience, many of them being often in pain for him.

*Yet afterwards, when the repeated advice of his friends, and the necessity of his constitution, obliged him to a more slow, and deliberate manner, some ascribed it to (what they called) hiswant of power; such is the folly and weakness of many, in their sentiments with regard to this particular! How common is it to imagine, that the presence and power of the Spirit of God, and that influence by which souls are awakened, justified, or built up in holiness, depends upon the loudness of the preacher’s voice, or the swiftness of his expression? In other words, upon the strength of a man’s lungs, and it may be, the assurance of his gesture and utterance. A sentiment not more strange to the truly wise, than it is common with many. As though noise, and animal activity should be dignified with the names ofspirit and power, and the want of them ascribed to dryness, deadness and formality! Strictly speaking indeed, there is nonecessarydivine power in any man’smannerof speaking, whether loud or low, swiftly or softly.It is the Spirit that quickeneth, and as he pleaseth; and it may be questioned, whether effects that have been sometimes produced, by a loud, vehement, and overbearing manner of speaking, were not in great measure merely mechanical, if not ofSatanhimself, to cast an odium upon thework of God. In truth the most substantial, genuine effects of the gospel ministry, arise from its delivery, not with noise and human vehemence, (which often rather calls off the mind from the inward life and communion with God:) but with distinct calmness, and wise deliberation.

There may often be a strong wind, an earthquake, and fire; but the Lordis in the still, small voice, (1 Kingsxix.11. 12.) and those are only in order to this. His word, it is true, is a sword, and a hammer, which wounds and breaks human hearts in pieces; and any one’smannerof speaking contributes towards this so far as it is to be commended. But considered independently of this (which is too often the case) the loudness of a man’s voice is in reality no better than the blowing of a trumpet, or the sound of a drum.Not by might, or by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.What is here intended, is nakedly to represent a common mistake, in order to its removal.

His sermons were seldom less than an hour long; and yet, had in them such an agreeable variety, that they were rarely, if ever tedious, unless to such as wanted a savour for the things of God.

He was always at the conclusion, in a bath of sweat. And the place of preaching being often at some distance from his lodging, his suddenly growing cold again, was one reason of the frequencyof the fevers which he had from time to time, during his whole life of public labour.

He often resolved before he began to preach, to restrain the rapidity of his spirit, but in vain: “The sword (as he once said to me) being too keen for the scabbard.” The fervour of his soul broke through all his resolutions, but wasted at the same time, the very springs of life, which he felt immediately afterwards.

With regard to the manner of his preparing for sermons, he seemed to keep between the two extremes, neglect of all actual, previous preparation, and a dry scholastic composition of exact materials. To have no regard to the matter, and manner of his discourses before hand, under the pretence of dependance upon heaven, for immediate influence and utterance, he judged to be rank enthusiasm; and often, a cloke for a lazy, indolence of spirit; on account, of which, nonsense has been too often dignified with the sacred names ofinspirationand power. And yet, he judged it alike culpable, to seek after and trust to mere dry human skill, in fixing upon heads, and taking such measures, as to preach only ones self, independant as it were, on the quickening, enlighting presence of theHoly Ghost, without which all preaching and all hearing are vain.

*He prayed and studied, and studied and prayed again, going always (unless necessity prevented) from his closet and off his knees, intothe pulpit. But when he came there, he gave himself up wholly into the hands of God, to be actuated and used by him, in all respects, as might be most for his glory. And it was glorious and wonderful, to see the good effects, which were produced at those times, by the words of God flowing from his lips, and entering into the heart, without indeed the ornaments of studied eloquence, but in their native majesty and simplicity; such as they are in themselves, and as he himself relished them. One circumstance relating to his manner, was, that he almost always begun, and in general concluded his sermons with a text of scripture: but so judiciously chosen, as seldom failed to touch the heart, and frequently to cast light on the whole subject.

One might easily gather from his way of preaching, how sensible he was of a mistake in many preachers, who content themselves, supposing there be butdemonstrationin their sermons, that they have spoken things which cannot be gainsay’d. Whereas if there be nothing more than clearness of demonstration, it may indeed be said to the preacher,thou preachest well; but what then? Who are quickened in their pursuit of God and heaven? Who hates his sins? Or who loves God the more for your discourse? Now where these are not to be found, may not a sinner as well be hearkening to a mathematician demonstratingEuclid’s elements, as to a preacher preaching thus?

It was far from satisfying him that his sermons had in them sufficient demonstration. Still retaining in mind, What is theendof preaching, bringing souls acquainted with, and building them up in God; he rated his sermons accordingly: and for the more effectual promotion of this, studied to be well acquainted with all the motions of the human heart, pointing his discourses there continually; laying hold, as it were of its very inmost thoughts, and with the sinners own weapons, slaying the enemies of his salvation. He applied to the conscience at every turn, and after having at any time demonstrated a peculiarly interesting truth of a general nature, he always took care to make it a personal thing, by questioning the heart of every one concerning their part therein. He frequently introduced, by way of comparison, many of the incidental occurrences in life, things respecting callings, families, and a thousand little matters, by which the great concerns of the soul enter more deeply and sensibly into the minds of the common people. I have heard a woman of known integrity say, that intending one evening to have his judgment, after preaching on several particulars, which were a weight to her mind; he so anticipated every objection, and answered them in the sermon, that she needed no farther enquiry.

*It was usual with him in his sermons, to propose and answer divers cases of conscience,which was an inexpressible satisfaction to many. In describing of vices (for which he was eminently remarkable) he did not so much dwell upon the vice itself abstractedly, as he shewed thepersonsto themselves, who were guilty thereof; and represented the unavoidable danger of such as lived and died therein. It was not so muchpride, envy, anger, lust, drunkenness, swearing, and the like, which he painted in their detestable nature, (though he did this also;) but his drift at such times, was to describe theproud, theenvious, theangry, and thelustful man; to alarm the drunkard, and the swearer,&c.as with the voice of thunder, to escape for their lives. The most guilty person can sit and hear his vice described, with composure enough; but the conscience of a sinner cannot so easily escape, when the preacher speaking as it were to one person (though without particularizing any) charges it home,Thou art the man. It was in this way that his sermons were, by the grace of God, effectual to the awakening and converting of so many.

His whole life being one series of holy living and mental improvement, preserved his heart, like an ever-fresh, and overflowing fountain, which on every occasion poured forth its fruitful streams of holy doctrine, and persuasive exhortation. It was easy to discern, that hefeltthe things he delivered. He gave himself wholly tothis one thing; and, which was the crowning glory of all, was himself a pattern of the truths he taught.

His own example strengthens all his laws;He is himself the gracious saint he draws.

His own example strengthens all his laws;

He is himself the gracious saint he draws.

*Indeed this was first and last, his main concern, That while he ministered to the wants of others, he might not sustain loss in his own soul, nor have to take up that sad complaint,They made me keeper of the vineyards, but mine own vineyard have I not kept.¹It is a fearful case for a preacher, to be only like a channel in a garden, through which the water runs to cool and moisten the herbs and flowers, but nothing for its own use; if not like the spoils of bevers, sheep and silk-worms, designed to cloath others, which are made the occasion of their own nakedness, if not the cause of their death. This indeed is never the intention of God, concerning his servants; but men bring it upon themselves through the abuse of his favours. What is this but to build a fortune for others, upon the ruins of one’s own house, whileafter preaching to others, thou thyself dost become a castaway.

¹Canticlesi.6.

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