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

Thirdly, Gods main end of giving diversity of Gifts, is, that so (if possible) men may be converted and healed. To one God gives Doctrine, to another the Word of Exhortation; and all is, that if one prevail not, the other may. Thus there are some, who are Sons of Thunder, others that are Sons of Consolation, that so both the way of terror, and the way of mildness may prosper. So that the diversity of Gifts, is a great demonstration of Gods willingness, that men should repent and be healed. Our Saviour comparing John's Ministry and his together, Mat. 11.16, 17, 18. which seemed to differ exceedingly, makes this use of it: John came unto you in a strict extraordinary way; he kept in the wilderness; he went in rough garments. And all this ridged way was to bring to repentance. The Son of man, he came eating and drinking, viz. in a more familiar and conversing way. And therefore he saith, it was like the Children's play, We have piped to you, and you have not danced; mourned to you, and you have not wept. We have several ways treated with you; But behold! the wickedness of the people; they get good by neither. John that came that ridged way, they said, he had a Devil; and Christ that ⟨p. 77⟩came that loving way, they said, he had a Devil. Always, wicked and ungodly men, they will have some fault to find with the Ministry; either this it wants, or that it wants. And all this is from the Devil, who hardens them against it, to their own destruction. Therefore let there be what Ministry they will, those that are left by God, will reject it against their souls good, objecting some defect or other.

Thirdly, Gods main end of giving diversity of Gifts, is, that so (if possible) men may be converted and healed. To one God gives Doctrine, to another the Word of Exhortation; and all is, that if one prevail not, the other may. Thus there are some, who are Sonnes of Thunder, others that are Sonnes of Consolation, that so both the way of terrour, and the way of mildness may prosper. So that the diversity of Gifts, is a great demonstration of Gods willingness, that men should repent and be healed. Our Saviour comparing John's Ministry and his together, Mat. 11.16, 17, 18. which seemed to differ exceedingly, makes this use of it: John came unto you in a strict extraordinary way; he kept in the wilderness; he went in rough garments. And all this ridged way was to bring to repentance. The Sonne of man, he came eating and drinking, viz. in a more familiar and conversing way. And therefore he saith, it was like the Childrens play, We have piped to you, and you have not danced; mourned to you, and you have not wept. We have several waies treated with you; But behold! the wickedness of the people; they get good by neither. John that came that ridged way, they said, he had a Devil; and Christ that