Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

Qu. 2. When there's a difference in the Directions that are given by Ministers, what shall those do who are to observe them? Prescription are sometimes peremptory, and we are charged to do expressly thus; and when we hear the same Duty pressed by another, he directeth otherwise:⁽ⁿ⁾ If the Trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the Spiritual Warfare?

Qu. 2. When there's a difference in the Directions that are given by Ministers, what shall those do who are to observe them? Prescription are sometimes peremptory, and we are charged to do expresly thus; and when we hear the same Duty press'd by another, he directeth otherwise:⁽ⁿ⁾ If the Trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the Spiritual Warfare?

1. (n)1 Cor. 14.8

Answ. 1. Those that ordinarily ask this Question, don't do it for practical Direction, but for captious diversion; they don't speak by way of Enquiry, but excuse; they'll except against this, and the other, but they'll follow none; and therefore I'll pass by these.

2. Do but practise that wherein all the Ministers of Christ are agreed, and you are safe: They all give the same Directions for substance; though their Directions are different, they are not contrary. You know there's nothing more ordinary than for two Ministers to preach upon one Text, and to handle it different ways, and to draw from it different Inferences, and different Uses; but while they keep to Scripture, and to the Analogy of Faith, all is commendable and beneficial. Christ is pleased variously to distribute both Graces and Gifts, both to Ministers and Christians, and 'tis to the Glory of his Wisdom and Grace that he doth so. All who are Faithful to Christ and Souls, agree in such things as these, viz. To convince of the evil of Sin, and of the necessity of Regeneration: there's none that's worth the name of a Minister that can give Sin a good word; they cannot speak slightly of sin, they cannot encourage sin, they cannot, they dare not flatter you in your sins; they all agree to assure you,