Examine with humble diligence what in hearing appeared to you as doubtful. Suspect your own understandings more than your minister’s, but lean not rashly on your own or idolatrously on his. If error be in his doctrine, it turns to poison in thy soul. Wherefore do not swallow what thou dost suspect. The most noble hearers try all doctrine by the Holy Scriptures.
— Daniel Burgess (1645-1713)
Rules and Directions