The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…

Thirdly, A third Effect of the Ministry is, To establish and settle in the truth, to give a sound mind▪ For through mens corruptions, pride and vain-glory, the Ministry, as it may increase mens parts, so accidentally increase their errors. As April-showers that make the flowers fresh and sweet, so cause many croaking frogs also. This age doth testify it; If men get any knowledge, any parts, or abilities, This is like new wine in old bottles, it breaketh the bottles. The sails are too big for the ship, and so they are Doctores, before they be Discipuli, they are teachers of others before well taught themselves. Now it's a shame and a blame for any people to run into erroneous Doctrines, that enjoy a sound Ministry. Mark that place, Ephes. 4.14. speaking of the Office of the Ministry, one effect he mentioneth is, That we should not be carried away as children with every wind of Doctrine. Hence Ministers are called Guides and Shepherds; and a great preservative it is to attend upon them, and submit to them, not with a blind obedience, but as owning the institution of Christ, and the way to keep from falsehoods; and this is not to preach our selves, but your good. It's best for the sheep to keep to his faithful Shepherd. They are not infallible it's true, much less art thou infallible; therefore a blessing is to be expected in Gods order.

Thirdly, A third Effect of the Ministry is, To establish and settle in the truth, to give a sound mind▪ For through mens corruptions, pride and vain-glory, the Ministry, as it may increase mens parts, so accidentally increase their errours. As April-showrs that make the flowers fresh and sweet, so cause many croking frogs also. This age doth testifie it; If men get any knowledge, any parts, or abilities, This is like new wine in old bottles, it breaketh the bottles. The sails are too big for the ship, and so they are Doctores, before they be Discipuli, they are teachers of others before well taught themselves. Now it's a shame and a blame for any people to runne into erroneous Doctrines, that enjoy a sound Ministry. Mark that place, Ephes. 4.14. speaking of the Office of the Ministry, one effect he mentioneth is, That we should not be carried away as children with every wind of Doctrine. Hence Ministers are called Guides and Shepherds; and a great preservative it is to attend upon them, and submit to them, not with a blind obedience, but as owning the institution of Christ, and the way to keep from falshoods; and this is not to preach our selves, but your good. It's best for the sheep to keep to his faithfull Shepherd. They are not infallible it's true, much lesse art thou infallible; therefore a blessing is to be expected in Gods order.