An Enquiry alter amans e)tate. How can aPhy1cian apply true and proper phyfick unlefs he en- \ quire into the {late of mens bodies? Now a Minifier is a Phy- Jer.8. rz. {icían to mens fouls ; and therefore he is to enquire of the flare of mens fouls -how they ítand before God. Tney are men of I -I Belial that fay, What ? moll the Minifler know all ? and , Can there be nothing done but the .Minifler must hear cf it ? Thefe are very evill fpeeches. The Miniffer doch but his duty when he is inqutfrcive. The fecond ute may be for reproof. If it be the duty of a Mi- 2. Re- niíter to enquire of mens estates before God, then thole peo- proof. ple are too blame that will not make known their effaces. What is the reafon that fo many men abide in a rotten estate, but becaufe they are loth to open truly and fully what they are to Gods Ministers? Nay .many are like them in the Prophet, Who fay to the Seers, See not. They would not have Gods Mi- i1. 3o.to racers fee what they do, nor fee what they are. I confeffe there be fume that will open fomething about their estates , but not all they know by themfelves: They keep in the main; like force foolish clients who mifinform their Counfel, making their cafe better then indeed it is, and fo their caufe mifcarrieth : So íbme keep in that which would give molt light to judge of their e- Bates : But this ought not fo to be. I can tell you an example of one that being troubled about his eltate before God , and some Ministers being by, Oh faith he, I will tell yin all that I k. rw of my felf; l'le not hide fyllable fromyou : and if I be yet no bet ter then a wretch, I defeech yo tell me plainly that I am fo ; and if Lbe in Chrifl, l befeech you prove it plainly unto me. 1 his man took a right course, and thereby through Gods mercy carne in a little (pace to the assurance of his own blefsed eftate and con. dition. 3 Ex- Thirdly, for-exhortation. Let Gods Mini(ters know of your hortati- estates, that they may be able to (peak to you accordingly. By on: this means they may (peak words in due fèafon, and likewife houfholders give every one his portion. If you had but a cur finger, would you not be glad to have the tight plaftre ? and if ii you had .a burniug fever, would you not deure the right remdr-
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