It was far from satisfying him that his sermons had in them sufficient demonstration. Still retaining in mind, What is the end of 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 the persons to themselves, who were guilty thereof; and represented the unavoidable danger of such as lived and died therein. It was not so much pride, 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 the proud, the envious, the angry, and the lustful 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 he felt the things he delivered. He gave himself wholly to this 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.[¹] It 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, while after preaching to others, thou thyself dost become a castaway.
[¹] Canticles i. 6.
CHAPTER IX.
Of his frequent sickness, the exercises of his mind therein, and the improvement which he made thereof.