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too much, too frequent, and unnecessary speaking by others of public business and
transactions. Exceeding great neglect and unskillfulness to set forth the excellences and
usefulness of (and the necessity of an interest in) Jesus Christ, and the new covenant,
which ought to be the great subject of a minister's study and preaching. Speaking of
Christ more by hearsay than from knowledge and experience, or any real impression of Him
upon the heart. The way of most ministers' preaching too legal. Want of sobriety in
preaching the gospel; not savoring anything but what is new; so that the substantials of
religion bear but little bulk. Not preaching Christ in the simplicity of the gospel, nor
ourselves the people's servants, for Christ's sake. Preaching of Christ, not that the people
may know him, but that they may think we know much of Him. Preaching about Christ's
leaving of the world without brokenness of heart, or stirring up of ourselves to take hold of
Him. Not preaching with bowels of compassion to them that are in hazard to perish.
Preaching against public sins, neither in such a way, nor for such an end, as we ought—for
the gaining of souls and drawing men out of their sins; but rather because it is to our
advantage to say something of these evils. Bitterness, instead of zeal in speaking against
malignants, sectarians, and other scandalous persons; and unfaithfulness therein. Not
studying to know the particular condition of the souls of the people, that we may speak to
them accordingly; nor keeping a particular record thereof, though convinced of the
usefulness of this. Not carefully choosing what may be most profitable and edifying; and
want of wisdom in application to the several conditions of souls; not so careful to bring home
the point by application as to find out the doctrine, nor speaking the same with that reverence
which becomes His word and message.

Choosing texts whereon we have something to say, rather than those suited to the
conditions of souls and times, and frequent preaching of the same things, that we may not be
put to the pains of new study. Such a way of reading, preaching and prayer as puts us in
these duties farther from God. Too soon satisfied in the discharge of duties, and holding off
challenges of conscience with excuses. Indulging the body, and wasting much time idly.
Too much eyeing our own credit and applause; and being pleased with it when we get it, and
unsatisfied when it is wanting. Timorousness in delivering God's message; letting people die
in reigning sins without warning. Studying the discharge of duties rather to free ourselves
from censure than to approve ourselves to God. Not making all the counsel of God known to
His people; and particularly, not giving testimony in times of defection. Not studying to
profit by our own doctrine, nor the doctrine of others. For most part, preaching as if we
ourselves were not concerned in the message which we carry to the people. Not
rejoicing at the conversion of sinners, but content with the unthriving of the Lord's work
amongst His people, as suiting best with our minds; fearing, if they should thrive better, we
should be more put to it, and less esteemed of by them—many, in preaching and
practice, bearing down the power of godliness. We preach not as before God, but as to men;
as doth appear by the different pains in our preparation to speak to our ordinary hearers and
to others to whom we would approve ourselves. Not making the ministry a work in earnest,
as a thing to be accounted for in every duty; which makes much laziness and
unfruitfulness; doing duties ex officio, not ex conscientia offici, rather to discharge our
calling than our conscience (Philippians 1:3-8)."