themselves with the same authority which is proper for ministers.
Christian conversation. However, I will humbly offer my thoughts concerning this subject of lay exhorting, as follows.
1. The common people in exhorting one another should not clothe themselves with the same authority which is proper for ministers. There is a certain authority that ministers have, and should exercise in teaching as well as governing the flock. Teaching is spoken of in Scripture as an act of authority, 1Tim 2.12.71 In order for a man to preach, special authority must be committed to him. Rom 10.15, "How shall they preach unless they are sent?" Ministers in this work of teaching and exhorting are clothed with authority, as Christ's messengers (Mal 2.7), and as representing him; and so they speak in His name, and in His stead, 2Cor 5.18-20. And it seems to be the most honorable thing that belongs to the office of a minister of the gospel, that the word of reconciliation is committed to him, and that he has power to preach the gospel as Christ's messenger, and to speak in His name. The apostle seems to speak of it as such in 1Cor 1.15-17. Therefore, in the exercise of this power, ministers may clothe themselves with authority in speaking, or they may teach others in an authoritative manner. Tit 2.15, "Speak these things, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you." But the common people in exhorting one another, should not exhort in this authoritative manner. There is a great deal of difference between teaching as a father among a company of children, and counselling in a brotherly way (as the children may kindly counsel and admonish one another). Those who are mere brethren, should not assume authority in exhorting, even if one may be better, and have more experience than another. Laymen should not exhort as though they are the ambassadors or messengers of Christ, as ministers do. Nor should they exhort and warn and charge in His name, according to the ordinary import of such an expression, when it is applied to teaching. In one sense, a Christian should do everything he does in religion, in the name of Christ; i.e., he ought to act in dependence on Christ as his Head and Mediator, and do all for His glory. But the expression as it is usually understood when applied to teaching or
exhorting, is speaking in Christ's stead, and as having a message from Him.
People may clothe themselves with authority in speaking, either by the authoritative words they use, or in the manner and authoritative air of their speaking. Though some may think that this second one is a matter of indifference, or at least of small importance, there is indeed a great deal in it. A person may greatly depart from his place, and be guilty of a great degree of assuming, in the manner of his speaking those same words which, if said differently, might be proper for him. The same words spoken in a different manner, may express what is very different. Doubtless there may be as much hurt in the manner of a person's speaking, as there may be in his looks. But the wise man tells us that a haughty look is an abomination to the Lord, Pro 21.4. Again, a man may clothe himself with authority, in the circumstances under which he speaks; for instance, if he sets himself up as a public teacher. Here I would have it observed that I do not suppose a person is guilty of this, merely because he speaks in the hearing of many people. Someone may speak, and speak only in a conversational way, and yet speak in the hearing of a great number. People often do this in their common conversation about temporal things, at feasts and entertainments, where women as well as others converse freely together about worldly things in the hearing of a considerable number of people. It may happen to be in the hearing of a great number, and yet it is done without offence. And if their conversation on such occasions should turn to spiritual things, and if they were to speak freely and openly, I don't see why it wouldn't be just as harmless.
Nor do I think that if, besides a great number of people being present, they speak with a very earnest and loud voice, they are setting themselves up as public teachers — not if it is without any contrivance or premeditated design; nor purposely directed to a congregation or multitude; nor speaking to any who are composed in the solemnity of a public service. But if they speak during a conversation, or at a time when all are freely conversing with one another, and they express what they then feel, directing themselves
to none but those who are nearby them, or come across them in their way — if they speak in that earnest and passionate manner to which the subject they are speaking about, and the affecting sense of their souls naturally leads them and constrains them, even if many others happen to hear them — then I say, it doesn't appear to me to be setting themselves up as public teachers. Indeed, if we add other circumstances — say that that all this happens to be in a meetinghouse — I don't think that merely being in such a place alters the case much. This is provided that the solemnity of public service and divine ordinances are over, and the solemn assembly has broken up, and some stay in the house for mutual religious conversation. And also provided that they don't speak in any authoritative way, but in a humble manner, becoming their degree and station, even if they speak very earnestly and passionately.
Indeed modesty might, in ordinary cases, restrain some people, such as women and those who are young, from speaking at all when a great number are present; at least when some of those present are far their superiors,72 unless they are spoken to. And yet the case may be so extraordinary as to fully warrant it. If something very extraordinary happens to people, or if they are in extraordinary circumstances — if a person is struck with lightning in the midst of a great company, or if he lies dying — none would think it a violation of modesty for him to speak freely in front of those who are far his superiors. I have seen some women and children in such circumstances, on religious accounts, when it appeared to me no more a transgressing of the laws of humility and modesty for them to speak freely, than if they were dying, whoever might be present.
But then, a man may be said to set up himself as a public teacher, when in a set speech, by design, he directs himself to a multitude, either in the meeting-house or elsewhere, looking to have them attend to what he has to say. Much more when it is contrived and premeditated, without anything like constraint, nor under any extraordinary sense or affection. And still more, when meetings are appointed on purpose to hear lay people exhort, and they take it as their business to be speakers, expecting that others should come and