leittbe Funeral of Mr. Nalton: 3 37 2. The Gofpei is a treafure in refpeEt of the Miniftry ofit ; fo the ,Apostle hints, 'tis not only light, but a fhining light, which iallo "bi- tted into our hearts to give tke light of the knowledge of the Glory of God, &c. 'Tis a treafure in this reipeCt, viz. in the difcovery and fin- ningof it, the conveyances, the feveral gifts and graces of the Mini- fay, bywhich the Gofpel is conveyed to us, makes up a treafure; and as the Miniitry is a treafure, fo the opportunities and advantages thereof are. Thus the Gofpel and the Miniftry thereof is pretious, and ought to be esteemed and made ufe ofby us. We fhould highly account ofthe Gofpel, and put a high value on it, for it is a treat-ire yea, it is a treafure in the want of other treafure, they are rich that are made partakers of it : Silver and Gold have I none (faith St. Peter to the Cripple) butfuch as I have Igive it thee : this is the privi- ledge of Minifters ; though it may be, poor in refpeCt of theintelves, et are rich toothers. There excellent riches are committed, to us, and accordingly we iTillit not only make ufe of them our felves, but make themknown to others ; the Gofpel is a treafure not for ns to keep, but to difcover, reveal and manifeft to others : to give the light ofthe glory of God, &c. This is the work, of the Miniftry, We have indeed ties treafure, but not for our felves only, but for others: fo we are to keep it, topreerve and maintain it , but foas tobe dili- gent to impart what is committed to us for the edification of others : Every Scribe inftruded in the Kingdom of Heaven as agood houfehold- er, bringeth forth things new and old. The Gofpel is a treafure, therefore we ought to carry our felves anfwerable to it : As We muft labour for it, be diligent in the fearchof it, dig for it as for hidden treaffrires. Lift up thy voicefor under.F1-anding, Pro. 2. 2. 3, 4. Dig for it.: you know there is a great deal of pains taken, and labour ufed to get worldly treafure.. What would not istea ven- ture for it ? they will goover Sea and Land, go through fire and vw.- ter, expofe themfelves to all dangers for earthly treafure, make unto themfelves friends ofthe Mammon of unrighteournefs, pals away a great deal of time, and take a great deal ofcare for it. 2. Efteem this treafure, this heavenly wifdorn, this Evanzelical knowledge, even the Gofpel of Carat : labour to underhand it,and have the efficacywrought upon your hearts. 3. Reioyce how do men rejoyce earthly treafure fo fhould we, as the Merchant in the Gofpel when he had found the Pearl of Prize, rejoyced exceedingly ; fo we ought, as being made partakers thereof. rejoyced at thy word, even as one that had_foga o-reat (faith David) fq fhould we repvce always in this crea- . Xx r
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