*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._