A Plain and Powerful Ministry Is the Only Ordinary Means to Prepare the Heart for Christ

Hence it is, when our Savior would have this work done, he prepares a workman fit for it, and furnishes him with abilities, which might enable him to the discharge thereof; the work is great, and the service difficult, and therefore Elias is fitted with a Spirit suitable with Power answerable to that purpose for which he was appointed, an instrument as we say for the nonce. John the Baptist also inherits these abilities, and that Minister must be an Elias, that is, must have his Spirit and Power in proportion, if ever this great work of preparation follows his hand with comfort and success. As it was in the material, so also is it in the building of this spiritual temple, in which the Holy Spirit does dwell: the elect of God are like trees of righteousness, the Word is like the ax, that must be lifted by a skillful and strong arm of a cunning Minister, who like a spiritual artificer must hew and square, and take off the knotty untowardness in the soul before we can come to couch close and settle upon the Lord Christ as the cornerstone. Paul calls the saints God's husbandry (1 Corinthians 3:9). A powerful humbling ministry is like the plow, to plow up the fallow ground, the thorny sensual hearts of sinful men to receive the immortal seed of the Word of Promise and the Spirit of Christ thereby.

For the opening of the point two things are:

- 1 What is meant by a plain and powerful ministry, such as that of Elias. - 2 How this has force to effect so great a work.

The plainness of the ministry appears,

When the language and words are such as those of the meanest capacity have some acquaintance with, and may be able to conceive; when the Preacher [reconstructed: frames] his speech to the shallow understanding of the simplest hearer, so far as in him lies, always avoiding the frothy tinkling of quaint and far [illegible], which take off, and blunt as [reconstructed: it] were the edge of the blessed truth and Word of God. [illegible] the Apostle rejects the wisdom of words as that which makes the cross of Christ — that is, the doctrine of Christ Crucified, revealed in the Gospel — lose its proper and powerful effect when it is [reconstructed: so] preached. Where let it be observed that it is not only the vanity and emptiness of words which is here condemned, but even that pompous gaudiness, and elegance of [illegible], which after an unsuspected manner steals away the mind and affection from the truth, and stays it with itself, when it should be a means both to convey both attention and affection from itself to the truth. He that puts so much sugar into the potion, that he hinders the strength, and the work of it by such a kind of mixture; though he please the palate of the [illegible], yet thereby [illegible] wrongs both the physic, and his health. So here in preaching.

For the excellency of eloquence, and enticing words of human wisdom which in case were commendable to be used by him who is an orator, or a declaimer in the school, in the [illegible] becomes ever fruitless, and many times hurtful and prejudicial to the saving success of the Gospel. Hence the Apostle makes these as opposite (2 Corinthians 2:4): My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of Power: taking this for granted, as it appears in [illegible] of the speech, the pomp of enticing words [illegible] be discovered if we would have the Spirit in the powerful work of it be demonstrated and made to appear, so much sweetness of words as may make way for the [illegible] of the Gospel, may be admitted, and no more. And as all kind of curiosity and [illegible] is to be avoided, so all obscure and unusual [illegible], dark sentences and expressions, strange languages are much more to be rejected, as opposite even to the end of speaking, much more to plainness of the preaching of the truth. Words are appointed by God in his providence, to be carriers as it were, by whose help the thoughts of our minds and the savory apprehensions of truth may be communicated, and conveyed over to the understanding of others, whereas by mystical and dark sentences he that comes to hear, can by no means profit, because he cannot conceive, and so both hearer and speaker must needs miss their end, and lose their labor, since the one does no good in his speech, because he so speaks that the other can receive no benefit. He that has a pastoral heart must be so affected in dispensing the doctrine of grace, as Paul was in writing (Romans 1:7), to all that are at Rome, so should he labor to reach out mercy and comfort to every soul in the congregation, by every sentence he delivers, as much as in him lies, whereas mystical cloudy discourses which exceed the capacity and understanding of most in the assembly, it is not possible they should work powerfully upon their consciences. That which the mind conceives not, the heart affects not. Ministers should be, and, if faithful they will be as nurses to the people, they will prepare milk for the meanest and weakest, and meat for all; but never give dry crust or [illegible] instead of bread to any; for that was not to feed, but to starve the child. Hence the Apostle concludes strange languages in the delivery of the truth, to be a curse sent of God upon a people, and therefore the Minister that so communicates the Word, he is the messenger that brings a curse to the [illegible] (1 Corinthians 14:21-22): In the law it is written, with men of other tongues and other lips, will I speak to this people, therefore tongues are for a sign not to them that believe, but to them that believe not. Whereas prophesying should be in that openness and familiarity of language, that the unbelieving, yes, unlearned should be convinced, and have the secrets of his heart made manifest to his own conscience, that so he may be truly humbled and acknowledge God's power and presence in the virtue of his own ordinance blessed by him (1 Corinthians 14:24). It was the complaint of God (Job 38:2) that counsel was darkened by words without knowledge. It was not allowed in Job's conference and debate of questions with his friends, it cannot but be much more condemned in publishing the mysteries of life and salvation to others. It is the scope of the calling and work of the ministry to give the knowledge of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:8). To darken knowledge therefore, is to cross God's honor, our own callings, the comforts of the people over whom we are set, and to be concealers of God's mind, not interpreters and revealers of his will.

[illegible] is only one plea here objected, that carries any appearance of likelihood with it, gathered out of Ecclesiastes 12:10, where it is said, The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that that was written, was upright, even words of truth: Was it Solomon's care directed by the Spirit, to study pleasing words to affect his hearers? Should not his practice be a pattern to all to imitate him in like expressions? Dare any affirm but that he did what he ought? And shall any be so careless or presumptuous as not to endeavor to follow that course recorded with so much commendation by the Holy Ghost?

I yield willingly to all the truths which the text holds out to us; but it shall appear that nothing can from there by just consequence be collected, that will cross, but rather confirm, and that undoubtedly what has been affirmed before. That the writings of men should be sound, their speeches acceptable, is granted; but when are they? How shall they be judged to be such? That is the doubt: which once cleared, the objection will be answered fully: words then must be judged acceptable, not by the foolish fancies, corrupt and carnal humors of men, but from the warrant they have from the Scripture, and the work they have in the hearts of the hearers for their good, as verse 11 of Ecclesiastes 12 discovers; it being added as it were by way of explication, to evidence where that pleasantness of speech lay, The words of the wise are as goads and nails fastened by the masters of assemblies which are given by one Shepherd: As though the Preacher should have expressed himself, more freely and fully thus. If any shall ask what these acceptable words formerly mentioned are, and how they may be [illegible], it is easy for any thus to know them by their working upon the heart: as we judge the goodness and virtue of physic by its working upon the body, or in the stomach: Those words which are as goads to awaken and spur on the [illegible] and sleepy hearted to the performance of service with greater [illegible] and speed: those that are as [illegible] so to fasten on the [illegible] truths of God, upon the consciences of men, that they are [illegible] the compass of God's command as sheep within the fold.

Lastly, those words which are composed and [illegible] not by [illegible] wisdom, but by the Spirit of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:4), who is the only chief Shepherd of his Church, and whose voice should only be heard: such words should be sought out by the speaker, such words [illegible] to be accounted acceptable by those who hear them. Now how far all quaintness and [illegible] of speech is from this warrant of the Lord, or this powerful work in the hearts of his people, let the sluggish and secure courses, the loose lives and [illegible] of such persons, parishes, places, and congregations, who have, and love such teachers, and such kind of teaching, proclaim and testify to all the world.

Plainness of preaching appears also in the matter that is spoken: when sin and sinners are set out in their native and natural colors, and carry their proper names, whereby they may be owned suitable to the loathsomeness that is in them, and the danger of those evils which are their undoubted reward: a spade is a spade, and a drunkard is a drunkard, and if he will have his sins, he must and shall have [illegible] with them. It is Satan's policy (who, painter or tire-maker like, cozens all the world with colors) to [illegible] and [illegible] the [illegible] ways of [illegible], and the glorious graces of the Spirit, with the soot and dirt of reproaches, and base nicknames: Sincerity, he terms Singularity; [illegible], Puritanism and Hypocrisy; and so ignorant men (who judge the person by the picture) are brought out of love and liking with [illegible] blessed ways of [illegible] and holiness. Contrariwise, when he would cast a veil over the ugly and deformed face of vice, and [illegible] courses he is [illegible] to lay [illegible] false colors of indifferency, [illegible], and pleasure; Drunkenness is good fellowship, and neighborhood. Covetousness comes masked under the vizard of [illegible] and moderation: cowardliness is trimmed and [illegible] up in the [illegible] of discretion, and wariness. If ministers will not be the devil's brokers, and followers; their manner of proceeding must be expressly contrary: when they come to preach, they must make sin appear truly odious, and [illegible] to the open [illegible] of all, that all may [illegible] afraid and endeavor to avoid it. Those [illegible] wipes, and [illegible] jerks, and [illegible] at sin, at which the [illegible] profane [illegible] pleased, but not reformed; are utterly [illegible] and [illegible] the place, the person, the office, of the Messenger of the Lord of Hosts. What, a minister a jester — Oh, fearful! — to make the pulpit a stage, to play with [illegible]; when he should terrify the conscience for it? The Lord abominates the practice, he that knows and fears the Lord should abhor it with detestation. Thus plainly dealt Elijah with Ahab (1 Kings 18:18): It is you and your father's house that have troubled Israel, because you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and followed Baalim. So also with [illegible] (1 Kings 18:21): How long will you halt between two [illegible]? If the Lord be God, follow him; but if Baal, then [illegible] him. As if he should have said, Away with this patching in [illegible], either a saint or a devil, make something of it, this is downright dealing. And thus plainly John the Baptist who had the same Spirit dealt with Herod. He does not beat the bush, and go behind the door to tell him his faults, and mince the matter with some intimations, but he speaks out (Matthew 14:4): It is not lawful for you to have your brother Philip's wife: either you must not have that incestuous harlot, or you must not have grace and glory. Thus again he dealt with the Sadducees and Pharisees when he saw them come to his baptisms. He says to them (Matthew 3:7): Oh, you generation of vipers, who has forewarned you to flee from the wrath to come. As if he should have said, eggs and birds, parents and posterity, you are a race of venomous and poisonous wretches: What? A proud Pharisee to listen to the simplicity of the doctrine of grace, is it possible? If in sincerity and good earnest, you purpose to embrace the doctrine of truth, bring forth then fruits worthy of amendment of life (verse 8).

We have done with the plainness of the ministry, we are now to inquire wherein the power of a ministry consists: and that appears in two things.

There must be soundness of argument, and undeniable evidence of reason out of the Word, which is able to command the conscience; such strength [reconstructed: of] truth, which like a mighty stream, may carry an understanding hearer. When the Apostle was to come among the flaunting orators and silken doctors of Corinth, which so excelled in eloquence, he brings the trial of their ministry to this touch (1 Corinthians 4:19-20): I will know not the speech of them that are [reconstructed: puffed] up, but the power, for the Kingdom of God stands not in word, but in power. It is not the [reconstructed: flourish] of words, not the sound and tinkling of a company of fine sentences, like apish toys and rattles, that will commend our ministry in the account of God, there is no kingdom, no power of the work of the Spirit, the heavenly majesty of an ordinance is not seen in such empty shells and shadows: a building with painted walls, and no pillars, would be of little use, and less continuance: a body framed out of colors may be a picture of a bird or beast, but a living creature it cannot be, because it wants the soul and substance which should give life and virtue to it. So it is when a multitude of gay sentences are packed together without the sinews and substance of convicting arguments: there may be the picture of a sermon, but the life and power of preaching there will not be in any such expressions.

That a minister may be powerful, an inward [reconstructed: warmth and] heat [illegible], and holy affection is required, answerable and suitable to the matter which is to be communicated; and those add great life and [illegible] to the delivery of the truth. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, and a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things (Matthew 12:35). Where then there is a heart wanting, the chiefest part of speech, the pith and heart of it is gone; for the several affections out of which the words arise make an impression, and work a like temper of spirit in him to whom we utter and express ourselves: thus we speak from heart to heart, and that is the best way to be in the [illegible] of the hearer, and the only way to make our words take place and prevail. He that mourns in speaking of sin makes another [illegible] for sin committed. An exhortation that proceeds from the heart carries a kind of authority and commission with it, to make way for itself not to return before it confers with the heart of him that will give attendance to it. [illegible] discourses talk only with the [illegible], they go no further, because they [illegible] no deeper than from the understanding of him [illegible] speaks. The doctrine of the Gospel is like the [illegible] upon the herbs, and the dew upon the grass ([reconstructed: Deuteronomy] 32:2). The strength and stirring of holy affections is like a [illegible] wind or tempest, makes the truth delivered press in with more power and speed, and to soak more deeply, even to the heart root of him [illegible] with [illegible] will receive it.

It may be here inquired for explication of the point: how does a ministry thus [illegible] and powerful [illegible] work? Answer: to speak only so much here as concerns the place, leaving particulars until we [illegible] of the several parts of preparation, know we must, the preparing work of a plain and powerful ministry stands in two things.

It discovers the secrets of sin, makes known the close passages of the soul to itself, and that in the ugliness thereof: (Hebrews 4:11) the Word of God is [illegible] in operation, sharper than any two-edged sword, [illegible] between the soul and the spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of [illegible]. This was the work that Paul aimed at in the [illegible] of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4): handling the Word of God, not deceitfully, but plainly, by [illegible] of the truth, he commended himself to every man's conscience in the sight of God. As though he had said, Speak, oh you blessed saints of [illegible], was not Paul in your [illegible]? Did he [illegible] every corner of your consciences? [illegible] you cannot but acknowledge it, your hearts [illegible] but [illegible] as much.

A [illegible] the corruption, [illegible] the [illegible] of those to whom the Word is spoken and blessed. The [illegible] soldiers, the refuse publicans, all [illegible] and stand [illegible] at the [illegible] of [illegible] (Luke 3:11-12), they all said, Master, what shall we do? [illegible] a [illegible] at the bar, [illegible] (the judge upon the [illegible]) [illegible]. Hence it is, the time of the [illegible] of the [illegible] is called the [illegible] and [illegible] day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5). [illegible] that of [illegible] (2 Corinthians 10:5): the weapons [illegible] (that is, the [illegible] ministry [illegible] Word [illegible] through [illegible], to [illegible] down strong [illegible], [illegible] cast down [illegible], [illegible] every thought to the obedience of [illegible]).

[illegible] our Savior, the chief master of the assemblies, is said to [illegible], [illegible] the scribes (Matthew 7, last verse). Not to tell a man a [illegible] tale, a toothless, sapless [illegible], so that the hearers [illegible] are gone, are never stirred, never troubled for their sins, nor quickened onward in obedience: but when the power of the [illegible], the presence and majesty [illegible] the Lord [illegible], appears in his ordinances, they then carry [illegible] with them and bear down all before them. [illegible] lightning, forsakes his hold, and the [illegible] is forced to give way to the government of the King of Saints. Strong physic either cures or kills, either takes away the [illegible], or life of the [illegible]; so it is with a spiritual and powerful ministry, it will work one way or other, either it [illegible] hardens, converts or condemns those that live [illegible] the stroke thereof. For observe we must, [illegible] Word is but an instrument in the hand of [illegible], who dispenses the same [illegible] to his good [illegible], and the counsel of his own will, working when, and upon whom he will, and what he will by [illegible]. The sword in the hand of him that wields it may as easily kill as defend another, answerable to the affection of him that strikes with it: it is so with the Word which is the sword of the Spirit — it is the savor of life to life, but then and to those only to whom the Lord will bless the same; and the savor of death to death, then and to those when such a [illegible] is denied.

Such as are ministers may from this see the reason of that little success we find, that little good we do, in the vineyard of the Lord: our pains [illegible] not, our [illegible] not, with the hearts of men, not one [illegible] leveled, not a crooked piece [illegible], not one poor soul prepared for a Christ, after [illegible] quarters, years traveling in the work of the [illegible].

The time was Satan fell like lightning, suddenly, speedily, when the Disciples of Christ as Sons of [illegible], delivered the Gospel in the power and demonstration of the Spirit. But now Satan stands up [reconstructed: in] full strength, takes up his stand, maintains his [illegible] in the hearts of men, notwithstanding all that [reconstructed: we] see done by the most. What is the [illegible]? God is as merciful as ever, his Word and [illegible] as [illegible] as ever they were. I need [reconstructed: not say] as he, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? [illegible], [illegible], I must rather ask, Where is the Spirit [reconstructed: and] power of Elijah? We want power, and Spirit, and then no wonder we do not, in fact, upon these [illegible] in reason we shall never prepare a people for the Lord. The Word of God which is the Sword of the Spirit, is as sharp as ever it was, but our hands [reconstructed: are] weak, our hearts are feeble, we have no courage, [illegible] power [illegible] follow the blow, against the sturdy [illegible] of men. We keep these [illegible] much about us, (condemned by the [illegible], (2 [illegible] 4:2)) in the course of our ministry, [reconstructed: lest] we are to offend our friends, to displease great ones, to provoke the wicked, and malicious, fear we do, lest their love should be lost, their bounty and kindness taken away, and removed, or else hazard our own earthly comforts, and contents. It is a pity but the tongue of that minister should cleave to the roof of his mouth, who speaks anything less than God requires of him. For these base and by-respects sometimes ministers are afraid to speak to the hearts of men, and ashamed to reprove them for those sins which they are not afraid or ashamed to do in the face of the world. Neither do ministers many times convince so soundly as they ought, nor gather in those arguments which may make those [illegible] undeniable, and men's consciences at a stand. Again, they want that holy spiritual affection, which they should deliver God's Word withal to his people. And this is the sum of all: ministers do not deliver the Word with a heavenly, hearty, violent affection, they do not speak out of the abundance of their hearts. If they would speak against sin with a holy indignation, it would make men stand in awe of sin. They talk of it hourly, and say, It is not good to profane God's name, and his Sabbaths, and to live an ungodly life, but they do not speak from [reconstructed: their] hearts in this kind. A sturdy messenger, if he comes to a man's house to speak with him, he will not be put off, he will take no denial, but he will speak with him, if it be possible before he goes away. But send a child on a message to a man, if a servant does but tell him, His master is not at leisure, or that he may speak with him another time, he will [reconstructed: easily] be put off, and go away before he [reconstructed: has] delivered his message. So it is with a minister that [illegible] his office with a hearty affection. For when a man speaks from his heart in this case, he will have no answer, he will not be [reconstructed: put off] withal, he will take no denial but will have that he came [reconstructed: for]. If a man should say he is not at leisure to [illegible] with him, or to hear him now, he will speak with him another time, he will not go away with [illegible], [reconstructed: but] he will tell him, I came to speak with your [illegible], and I will speak with your hearts. He will [illegible] the people, Tell your hearts, you that love the world [illegible] the [illegible] and pleasures [illegible], (and my heart [illegible] you) did you know the good things that are in Christ [illegible], did you but know what a happy thing it is to have assurance of God's love, you would never love [illegible] nor delight in wickedness, as you have done before. [illegible] no more [illegible] things of the world, but for your [illegible]. The day is coming when the heavens shall [illegible] with [illegible], and you shall [reconstructed: hear the voice of the] [illegible], saying, Arise, you dead, and come to judgment. Where you shall hear that dreadful sentence, [reconstructed: Depart from me,] all you workers of [illegible], I know [reconstructed: you] not (Matthew 7:23). Oh, this may be your case one day. And we that are ministers of God do mourn for you, and tell your souls, We must have sorrow [reconstructed: for] you, we came for hearts, and must have hearts before we go. And this is the first use, showing the reason why the ministers of God do so [illegible] good, it is [illegible] plain and powerful preaching [illegible].

The [reconstructed: second and third] use [reconstructed: show] us the fearful estate and miserable condition [reconstructed: of those] that lived a long time under a plain and powerful ministry, and yet their hearts have not been [reconstructed: humbled] and prepared for the Lord [illegible]: It is a [reconstructed: sign] that the Lord will never bestow any [reconstructed: saving] good upon that soul. He that has lived under a powerful ministry many years, and yet is not wrought upon thereby, it cannot certainly be concluded, but it is greatly to be suspected, that the means of grace will never profit that man. Look as it is with the master carpenter, when he has turned every piece of timber, and taken what he will for his turn, he tells them that be under him, Let this be hewed, and that [reconstructed: be] framed and made fit for the building: Afterward [reconstructed: he] finds one piece broken, and another cracked, and another knotty: Why, what does he say? There is no squaring of these, they are fit for nothing but for burning, they are not fit for any place in the building. Oh! take heed, when God's ministers have been cutting, and hewing, now exhorting, now persuading, now cutting the heart with reproof, and yet finds here a cracked heart, and there a stubborn soul, that will not be squared by the Word, [reconstructed: and then] the Lord should say, These will never be fitted and prepared for me, they are fit for [reconstructed: nothing] but the fire. Oh! take heed of it, for he that will not be fitted for grace, shall be made a [illegible] in Hell for ever. Therefore all you that have lived under a powerful ministry, and yet are not prepared, go home and reason with your souls, and plead with your own hearts, and say, Lord, Why [reconstructed: am] not I yet humbled and prepared? Shall I thus be always under the hacking and hewing of the Word, and never be framed? Such a man, and such a man was stubborn, and wicked, and profane, and yet the Lord has brought him home, and he is become a broken hearted Christian, What shall I think that am not [reconstructed: humbled] and prepared for Christ by all the means that I have had? Alas! you may justly suspect God never intends good to your soul: It is no absolute conclusion, but it is a great suspicion that those that have lived under a plain and powerful ministry half a dozen years or longer, and have got no good, nor profited under the same; I say, it's a shrewd suspicion, that God will send [reconstructed: them] down to Hell. Therefore suspect your own soul and say, Lord, will exhortations never prevail? Will instructions never do me good? Will [reconstructed: convictions], and reproofs [reconstructed: never] strike my heart? Why, I have heard sermons that would have [reconstructed: moved] the very stones I [reconstructed: sat] on, that would have moved the [reconstructed: seat] I sat upon; the very fire of Hell has flashed in my face, I have seen even the very plagues [reconstructed: of] Hell, I have had many exhortations, instructions, admonitions, and reproofs, and as powerful means as may be, which [reconstructed: yet they] never did me any good. The Lord be merciful to such a poor soul, and turn his heart that he may lay hold of mercy in due time.

Exhortation. Is it so, that a plain and powerful ministry is the means of preparing the soul of a poor [reconstructed: sinner] for the Lord Jesus? Why then, when you hear the Word plainly and powerfully preached to you, labor that the Word may be so to you as it is in itself: It is a preparing Word, labor you that it may prepare your hearts to receive Christ. And you that be hearers, every one labor to save the soul of another; let the father speak concerning his children, and the husband concerning his wife and his family, and the wife concerning her husband, Oh when will it once be, when will the time come that my child may be fitted for the Lord, when will it be that my poor family, my poor wife, my poor husband shall be prepared for the Lord, the Lord grant, that it may be, if not this Sabbath, yet on another; if not this sermon, then at the next. Labor therefore to give way to the Word of God, and suffer your souls to be wrought upon by it, for the Word is powerful to prepare your hearts, but the minister must hew and square your hearts before they can be prepared for the Lord Jesus, and you must suffer the words of exhortation, (as the Apostle says) (Hebrews 13:22). So likewise suffer the words of conviction, of reproof, of admonition, and hold and keep your hearts under the Word, that you may be wrought upon thereby. And as when men have set carpenters a work to build a house, then they come every day, and ask them, How does the work go on? How does the building go forward? When you are gone home, do you so reason with yourselves, and ask your own hearts how the work of the Lord goes forward in you? Is my heart yet humbled? Am I yet fitted and prepared for Christ? I thank God I find some work and power of the Word, and therefore I hope the building will go forward.