Directions for weak distempered Christians, to grow up to a confirmed state of grace…

2. And the weak Christian is in the same case, so long as he followeth prudent, pious, charitable guides: But if he be taken in the snares of superstition, he pleaseth the superstitious party, though he displease the World.

3. And whereas the solid Christian will not stir an inch from truth and duty, to escape either the ⟨p. 159⟩hatred of the wicked, or the bitterest censures of the Sectary or the weak; the Hypocrite must needs have one party on his side: For if both condemn him, and neither applaud him, he loseth his peculiar reward, Matth. 6.2, 5. & 23.5, 6, 7, 8.

LVII. 1. The confirmed Christian doth understand the necessary of a faithful Ministry, for the safety of the weak, (as well as the conversion of the wicked) and for the preservation of the interest of Religion upon earth! And therefore no personal unworthiness of Ministers, nor any calumnies of enemies; can make him think or speak dishonourably of that sacred office: But he reverenceth it as instituted by Christ; and though he loathes the sottishness and wickedness of those that run before they are sent, and are utterly insufficient or ungodly, and take it up for a Living or Trade only, as they would a common work, and are Sons of Belial that know not the Lord, and cause the offering of the Lard to be abhorred, 1 Sam. 2.2, 17. Yet no such temptation shall overthrow his reverence to the office, which is the Ordinance of Christ: much less will he be unthankful to those that are able and faithful in their office, and labour instantly for the good of souls, as willing to spend and be spent for their Salvation. When the World abuseth and derideth and injureth them, he is one that honoureth them, both for their work and masters sake, and the experience which he hath had of the blessing of God on their labours to himself. For he knoweth that the smiting of the Shepherds is but the devils ancient way for the scattering of the flock. Though he knoweth that if the salt have lost its savour, it is good for nothing, neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dung-hill,