Compassionate counsel to all young men especially I. London apprentices, II. students of divinity,…

Briefly 1. Christ maketh them the chief instruments for the propagating of his Truth and Kingdom in the World, for the gathering of Churches, and preserving and defending contradicted Truth. They are the ⟨p. 134⟩Lights of the World, and the Salt of the Earth. All Christians are bound to teach or help each others in charity; but Christs Ministers are set in his Church (as Parents in Families) to do it by Office. And therefore must be qualified above others for it, and be wholly dedicated to it, and attend continually on it; as a Physician differeth from every Neighbour, who may help you in your sores or sickness as they can, so do the Pastors of the Church differ from private helpers of your Souls. The Scripture is preserved and delivered down by the private means of all the Faithful, but eminently by the public Office of the Pastors. It may be expounded and applied privately by any able Christian, but the Pastors do it eminently by Office; and to them especially (though to all Christians commonly) are committed the Oracles of God. The Priests lips must preserve knowledge, and men should enquire of the Law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts, Mal. 2.7. Never yet was the Gospel well propagated nor continued in any Country in the World, but by the means of the Ministers of Christ: And O! what difference hath there been in their successes as they differed in ability, piety and diligence! And how great an honour is it to be such blessed ⟨p. 135⟩instruments of building up the house of God, and propagating the Gospel and the Kingdom of Christ, and the Christian Faith and Godliness in the World.

Briefly 1. Christ maketh them the cheif instruments for the propagating of his Truth and Kingdom in the World, for the gathering of Churches, and preserving and defending contradicted Truth. They are the ⟨p. 134⟩Lights of the World, and the Salt of the Earth. All Christians are bound to teach or help each others in charity; but Christs Ministers are set in his Church (as Parents in Families) to do it by Office. And therefore must be qualified above others for it, and be wholly dedicated to it, and attend continually on it; as a Physitian differeth from every Neighbour, who may help you in your sores or sickness as they can, so do the Pastors of the Church differ from private helpers of your Souls. The Scripture is preserved and delivered down by the private means of all the Faithful, but eminently by the publick Office of the Pastors. It may be expounded and applyed privately by any able Christian, but the Pastors do it eminently by Office; and to them especially (though to all Christians commonly) are committed the Oracles of God. The Priests lips must preserve knowledge, and men should enquire of the Law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts,