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

Use 1. How well pleasing it is to God, that the Ministers should walk in all simplicity and plainness of spirit. Many Officers in the Church, have thought by carnal policy, and crafty designs, to have advanced themselves; but nothing is so well-pleasing to him, as for us to abound in all humility, self-denial, and public affections to mens souls. If you consider the rage of the Devil, and the malice of wicked men, you would wonder, how God hath preserved a Ministry in all Ages. But as the Ark was not preserved in the water, as Ships are by the skill of the Pilot, and other helps, but by Gods goodness: So it is with the Ministry and Government of the Church.

Ʋse 1. How well pleasing it is to God, that the Ministers should walk in all simplicity and plainness of spirit. Many Officers in the Church, have thought by carnal policy, and crafty designes, to have advanced themselves; but nothing is so well-pleasing to him, as for us to abound in all humility, self-denyal, and publique affections to mens souls. If you consider the rage of the Devil, and the malice of wicked men, you would wonder, how God hath preserved a Ministry in all Ages. But as the Ark was not preserved in the water, as Ships are by the skill of the Pilote, and other helps, but by Gods goodness: So it is with the Ministry and Government of the Church.

Use 2. Of Exhortation to you the people. Hath the Ministry been useful to bring you effectually to Christ himself? This is that Paul desired. You may hear much, you may pray much, you may be much affected with the matter preached, and yet all this while not close with Christ; to receive him as a Saviour, and to obey him as a Lord. A woman may have many Letters and Tokens of love from him whom she loveth, and be much affected to him, yet not married to him, nor enjoy him as her Husband: And so, thou mayest have some affections and good desires, but thou art not yet united to Christ. The work of the Ministry is not done, till we can leave you in the arms of Christ: Till we have prepared the way for Christ to lodge in your fouls.

Ʋse 2. Of Exhortation to you the people. Hath the Ministry been usefull to bring you effectually to Christ himself? This is that Paul desired. You may hear much, you may pray much, you may be much affected with the matter preached, and yet all this while not close with Christ; to receive him as a Saviour, and to obey him as a Lord. A woman may have many Letters and Tokens of love from him whom she loveth, and be much affected to him, yet not married to him, nor enjoy him as her Husband: And so, thou maist have some affections and good desires, but thou art not yet united to Christ. The work of the Ministry is not done, till we can leave you in the arms of Christ: Till we have prepared the way for Christ to lodg in your fouls.