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

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, ⟨p. 160⟩but men cast it out, and it's trodden under foot: (he that hath ears to hear, let him hear) Luk. 14.34, 35. Mat. 5.13, 14. Yet he also knoweth, that he that receiveth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet shall receive a Prophets reward, Matth. 10.41, 42. And that he that receiveth them, receiveth Christ, and he that despiseth them, that are sent by, him, despiseth him, Luk. 10.16. He therefore readily obeyeth those commands,