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

Let us consider the Ends, Why all increase must be of God only: And that is, To preach Humility both to the Preacher, and to the People. The Apostle carrieth it wholly for this end, That he that glorieth, may glory in the Lord. And, That no flesh should glory in his presence.

First, The Minister. That Peter, who had so many thousands converted by ⟨p. 88⟩his Sermon, that Paul, who was so exalted by God, that he might not be lifted up above measure. For alas, What have they done? It's God that gives the increase. It hath been the rock upon which many have splitted themselves, that they have had followers and admirers. The Manichees (said their Master) did [Greek or Hebrew], pour out Manna. The Donatists would swear By the head of Donatus, as people do solemnly By God, to show how they reverenced him. Now that man (though greatly exalted by God) may be humble, he hath reserved all success to himself. It's not thou, that hath made the blind to see, or the lame to go: It's God that teacheth to profit. And it's said, They shall be all taught of God, Joh. 45. viz. Converted; because man he gives the Ministry and outward service only. Hence it is, that God makes many eminent Preachers, as he did some eminent Women go barren: They see not the fruit of their labours; they have spent themselves in vain: They go Childless to the grave: They cannot say, Behold me and the Children whom thou hast given me. Again

First, The Minister. That Peter, who had so many thousands converted by ⟨p. 88⟩his Sermon, that Paul, who was so exalted by God, that he might not be lifted up above measure. For alas, What have they done? It's God that gives the increase. It hath been the rock upon which many have splitted themselves, that they have had followers and admirers. The Manichees (said their Master) did 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, pour out Manna. The Donatists would swear By the head of Donatus, as people do solemnly By God, to shew how they reverenced him. Now that man (though greatly exalted by God) may be humble, he hath reserved all success to himself. It's not thou, that hath made the blind to see, or the lame to go: It's God that teacheth to profit. And it's said, They shall be all taught of God, Joh. 45. viz. Converted; because man he gives the Ministry and outward service only. Hence it is, that God makes many eminent Preachers, as he did some eminent Women go barren: They see not the fruit of their labours; they have spent themselves in vain: They go Childless to the grave: They cannot say, Behold me and the Children whom thou hast given me. Again