where they may expect fish. So do you, O my soul, observe where you
fish, and the fish slight it, and pass under it; there are some pieces of lead put to it, to hold it right in the water, that it may be before them as they come. So lest invitations and promises of the gospel be slighted, there must be used some legal terrors and lawthreatenings to drive the fish into the net. You see then that both law and gospel are to be preached, the law assisting the gospel-net, which makes it effectual; the law being a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.
(9.) The meshes must not be over-wide, lest the fish run through. So neither must your doctrine be general, without particular application, lest you be no fisher of men. Indeed men may be the better pleased, when you preach doctrine so as wicked men may run out-through and in-through it, than when you make it so as to take hold of them: but be not a servant of men.
(10.) Neither must they be too neat and fine, and curiously wrought, lest they hold out the fish. So have a care, O my soul, of striving to make by wit any fine and curious discourse, which your hearers cannot understand. Of this more afterwards.
5. Fishers observe in what places they should cast their nets, and where they may expect fish. So do you, O my soul, observe where you may catch souls. There are two pools wherein the net should be set.
(i.) In the public assemblies of the Lord's people. There it was that Lydia's heart was opened. The pool of ordinances sometimes is made healing water to souls pining away in their iniquity.
(2.) In private conference. Many times the Lord is pleased to bless this for the good of souls. Some have found it so. But more of these things afterwards, when I come to following Christ.
6. Lastly, Fishers may toil long, and yet catch nothing; but they do not therefore lay aside their work. So may preachers preach long, and yet not catch any soul, Isa. 49:4, and 53:1; but they are not to give over for all that. O my soul, here you are checked for your behaviour at some