1997 Ford Escort Sputter?

I have a 1997 ford escort. When I bought it off of my grandfather he said that the 3rd spark plug wire burns out a lot and causes the engine to sputter around. Well, yesterday my engine started to sputter around, so I decided to go to NAPA and get a set of spark plug wires to replace the old ones. I paid $20 for the wires and $20 to get them put in. I started to drive home and my engine started to sputter again. What could cause this? Does it take a little while for the wires to take effect? Someone please help me!!!!!!!