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

Secondly, The Apostle by this intends, that both the Ministers and the people should keep themselves in their due bounds. The Ministers, though never so eminent, though never so much applauded by a numerous company of Disciples, yet they cannot make one black hair white; They cannot say of any people, obeying the Gospel, That we by our own power have made such believe. It's true, they are said to be Fathers, and to beget men to the truth; but that is only instrumentally and metaphorically, by external application of the Word, not internal power; for so we have only one Father in Heaven. Pride and ambition do easily breed in the most eminent parts, as worms in the sweetest fruit; but when they shall consider, that they are nothing, and God is all, this is a good way to humble them; and then the people hereby are also taught much moderation. Some mens persons they are apt to admire, Not such a man in the world! Oh but what a great God is there in Heaven, without whom this man is nothing! This is spiritual Idolatry, and that worship, which is to be given to Christ only, you give to instruments.

Secondly, The Apostle by this intends, that both the Ministers and the people should keep themselves in their due bounds. The Ministers, though never so eminent, though never so much applauded by a numerous company of Disciples, yet they cannot make one black hair white; They cannot say of any people, obeying the Gospel, That we by our own power have made such believe. It's true, they are said to be Fathers, and to beget men to the truth; but that is only instrumentally and metaphorically, by external application of the Word, not internal power; for so we have onely one Father in Heaven. Pride and ambition do easily breed in the most eminent parts, as worms in the sweetest fruit; but when they shall consider, that they are nothing, and God is all, this is a good way to humble them; and then the people hereby are also taught much moderation. Some mens persons they are apt to admire, Not such a man in the world! Oh but what a great God is there in Heaven, without whom this man is nothing! This is spiritual Idolatry, and that worship, which is to be given to Christ only, you give to instruments.

Lastly, In making the Ministry nothing, and God all; The Apostle would have both Minister and people in their Ministry, to have our hearts and eyes up to Heaven. As the Bird after every drop of water it sips, looks up presently to Heaven, so shouldst thou. Lord, what the Minister hath spoken, what he hath pressed, oh set it home with a blessing! Cause it to come like rain upon the new mowed grass! Oh the careless and profane hearing that is every where! This makes God give no increase; you matter it not, you believe not, you tremble not under it, you do not earnestly pray about it. If a man have a leg or arm to be cut off, oh you desire all you meet with, to pray about it; Why? because it may cost him his life. How much rather about every Sermon, every Duty that is preached, shouldst thou pray, and again pray? Oh, it may be the damning of my immortal soul, to miscarry therein!