John 3:28

He remits them to his former doctrine, chap. 1.20. and attests their own consciences, if he had not clearly told them that he was not the Messias, but his forerunner. And this is the first, and a great difference betwixt Christ and him. Whence learn, 1. Faithful Ministers, and especially such as have eminent gifts, ought so to carry themselves in doctrine and practice; as to give no occasion to people to esteeme more of them then is meet, or to have emulation and envie; for, so had John put marches betwixt Christ and himself. 2. Let Ministers walk never so circumspectly and wisely, yet people are ready to debord, and run on such extremities; for, so had Johns disciples done, though clearly warned. 3. Negligent hearing, or forgetting of doctrine preached, is the ground of much mischief, which might be prevented; for, they miscarried through not heeding what John had said, as judging that he had spoken but modestly of himself, or they could not think of a greater, considering his gifts; or they had forgotten this in their fit. 4. However people may miscarry with fleshly emulation, yet the testimony of Ministers sincerity, in walking circumspectly, and labouring to prevent such exorbitancies, will give ground of peace and comfort; for saith he, Ye your selves beare me witnesse that I said I am not the Christ. 5. Christ is so far above all Ministers, that it becometh them to put marches betwixt him and themselves; And he is so great a King, and there is so much need of preparation to receive and entertaine him, that it is the highest honour of Ministers to be Ushers to prepare his way; and it is their duty to prepare the way for him, by stirring up people to receive him, and not to stop the way, by obscuring of him, or keeping people hanging on them; for, this was Johns office and high honour; I am not th Christ, but am sent before him.