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REFORMED PASTOR;
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D. D.
BISHOP OF CALCUTTA.
PUBLISHED BY THE
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NEW
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The work
long
of Baxter, "
known and
The Reformed
by ministers
among the most
cherished
cal denominations, as
Many
own
souls
to all Christians
The
own
it
long continue in
settled
trained to receive
him
as
state
The catechism
in
The
sep-
establishment
its
voluntary
common
schools, create
for
PREFATORY NOTICE.
may
mine
was
his object
As a former
effort, to
the
home
visitation.
late
Rev. Samuel
The
somewhat abridged
Some passages which derived their
which Baxter
when
applicable
which supply
It
to
is
indicated
by
asterisks
their place.
dollars to stereotype
and perpetuate
sum
this work.
who
desires
of five hundred
DR.
BROWN'S PREFACE.
work
It is
it is
DR.
BROWN.
we know
of no
Could
it.
we
work on the
suppose
it
to
if
ity in
winning souls
to
Christ.
;
it
It is
With
respect to his
works
writings, I
in general,
my
ment;
so that I scarce
stayed to
go as
it
rather to stay upon one thing long than run over many, soma
sudden occasion or other extorted almost all my writings from
of present
usefulness or necessity
BROWN'S PREFACE.
DR.
6
'
The Reformed
Pastor"' appears to
have
"been written
and languishment
and
to
amidst
tance to
logical
under
disease
much
impor-
its
It is interlarded,
it
by Palmer
if
the latter
much
of
its
was
freed from
excellence.
many
We may
of its de-
with
often,
we
is
public
is not, strictly
speaking, an abridgment.
original,
it
is
it
totally
In some
but
DR.
BROWN'S PREFACE.
Some
mere
logical arrangement.
Many
of the
same
which
had occurred in the body of the discourse, and are there touched
with a master's hand, but which would have lost much of their
pathos and energy, had I separated them from that particular
connection in which they stand, and introduced them in a differI have also corrected the language of our
ent part of the work.
author but I have been solicitous not to modernize it. Though
to adopt the phraseology and forms of speech employed by the
writers of that age, would be a piece of silly affectation in an
;
is
able,
author
is
so
much
who
of "
me
it
Wilson
he
London had
pre-
In
informed
of
have no doubt
his recommendation will introduce it to the notice of many, by
whom otherwise it might have remained unknown.
arrangement
this
Before
religion,
I feel
peculiar pleasure, as
expense, than
by presenting copies
of this
;;
BROWN'S PREFACE.
DR.
There
munity on
whom
depends as on
its
is
much
If their zeal
and
They
through
whom
portant, then,
good
must
is
it
to
calculated to stimulate
be
to stir
Redeemer
may
is
them up
!
to
A tract
How
im-
man
this,
Ministers
ing a copy of
it
to
effect-
useful.
To the
make a
may be
allowed
To
to
similar suggestion.
Pastor," would.
no work so
much
Sure
am
of this, there
WILLIAM BROWX.
Edinburgh, March
12, 1829.
CONTENTS.
Introductory Essay, by Rev. Daniel Wilson, D.
Dedication, by Baxter,
D.,
Bishop of Calcutta,
13
71
87
Introduction,
PART
I.
CHAPTER
I.
I.
II.
your
for
109
work,
CHAPTER
II.
to
win
men,
114
116
II,
your
117
to observe
119
falls,
120
V. Your sins will have more heinous aggravations than other men's,
VI. Such important works as ours require greater grace than other men's, 122
123
VII. The honor of Christ lieth more on you than on other men,
VIII. The success of your labors materially depends on your taking heed
125
to yourselves,
PART
II.
CHAPTER
I.
II.
We must give
135
144
for the
advice
inquirers
who *e under
1*
convictions of sin,
147
CONTENTS.
10
We
III.
must study
to build
grace,
of divine
152
156
V.
VI.
VII.
CHAPTER
159
162
162
II.
ministerial
I.
II.
III.
Purely
for G-od,
171
souls,
172
172
173
175
176
177
178
178
X. With patience,
180
181
With earnest
XIV. Under a deep
XIII.
on Christ,
XV.
181
desires
185
CHAPTER
III.
II.
III.
From
From
From
the relation in
which we stand
the flock:
to
which
is
We
The Holy
are overseers,-
Grhost,
The
church of (rod,
IV.
From
187
194
195
his blood,
196
PART
III.
APPLICATION.
CHAPTER
I.
II.
On account
Our
of our pride,
204
our work,
217
CONTENTS.
1.
2.
3.
III.
By
By
By
11
negligent studies,
217
drowsy preaching,
dull,
218
222
to our
222
222
224
225
230
237
interests of Christ,
1.
2.
By
By
By
temporizing,
worldly business,
CHAPTER
II.
I.
Article
1.
It will
2. It will essentially
3. It will
saints,
4.
It will
5.
It will
6.
254
their affections,
make
state,
and
7. It will
8. It will
9.
It will
may
work
in succeeding
conduce
many
their time,
13. It will contribute to
our
own
261
265
255
255
256
258
264
generations,
11. It will
249
249
250
253
254
265
to exercise
266
graces,
withdraw both ourselves and our people from vain controversies, and the lesser matters of religion,
It will probably extend over the whole country,
It is likely to be a work which will not stop with those who are
engaged in it,
The weight and excellency of the duty recommended,
14. It will
15.
16.
17.
Article
II.
272
273
274
276
276
Difficulties in ourselves,
2.
1.
III.
268
269
work,
1.
Article
266
267
difficulties of the
.-.
CONTENTS.
12
It is necessary to our
II.
Section
III.
Article
welfare,
279
282
of these motives,
283
own
299
322
I.
323
of instruction,
1.
Conduct yourselves
2.
324
them.
Convince them of the benefit and necessity of this exercise,
326
Supply every family in your congregation, whether rich or poor, with
so as to convince
3.
and ministry
and sincerity, and love to
them
of your ability
your
life,
books.
4.
5.
A.rticle
1.
II.
to
them
328
330
330
331
and
4.
5.
When
6.
7.
8.
9.
At
2.
3.
learned,
336
you have
tried their
yourselves,
338
appear
to
be unconverted,
make
341
345
dition,
them
means of
to believe in Christ,
and
to
347
grace,
any thing
like offence,
and endeavor
Keep a
11.
and necessities.
Through the whole course
list
350
351
of the exercise, see that the
Ood
to
10.
12. If
to
manner as
to the end,
351
sort,
354
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY
BY REV. DANIEL WILSON,
D.D.
BISHOP OF CALCUTTA.
The name
of
Baxter
known,
too well
is
way
It is
In the whole
it,
his office.
is
to re-
of introduction to
The main
of his bringing
home
object
is,
Some account
of the
work
ace to the present edition, from the pen of the excellent writer
prepared
adapted
it for
for the
who
The
treatise is
now
The
pass-
ing controversies, the digressions, the long Latin quotations, the local matters, are omitted
is
all
of general use,
that
is
and belongs
still
all
that
and holy,
is
all
to every age, is
A few
but
spiritual
phrases
human
infirmity
and he
These
is
un-
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
14
work on
The writer
science.
his
own
own
this
powerful book.
It is peculiarly gratifying to
and the
Till
we can
we
bear this,
are
among
To be firm
us.
in our
own
conviction of
duty, and act consistently with our vows to our several divisions of Christ's church,
mount
obligation.
But
is,
indeed, a para-
mere
details
and
is
the only
method
We
best
we
To the
now
name of
the writer
indeed, the
of the world,
would he
high ends.
is
Wherever,
INTRODUCTORY
mend
"
ESSA.Y.
15
"
by some introductorywould endeavor to make it the occasion of exciting the most pungent grief, and the most
entire reformation
and would thus urge his brother
observations, he
ter
repeated in another
their denunciations.
own
skill
peculiar to
himself.t
Sixty years afterwards, the mild and persuasive exhortations of the " Pastoral Care " were addressed,
by Bishop Burnet,
But
clergy. $
for
to the
a century since
peared.
edition has
this is to
make
Such
*
The
is
first title
of Baxter's
Salvianus."
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
'
16
May
all simplicity.
May
he at
suggest
to his
own conothers.
And 0,
Vouchsafe success.
work
effectually
among
us.
first place,
and
hope
and
in the next, to
some grounds of
In the
first place,
permit
me
among
to ask,
us.
Have we
when
we
If
This
is
the
first topic.
formality, and
of his
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
own
own
17
we not cause to
among ourselves?
order; have
like evils,
epistles,
and read
and say
necessary now.
Call to
if
mind the
of ecclesiastical his-
tory
But
let
us come to
facts.
to our
first
And
those of us
measure, by the
to Christ;
and
faith
And
sinGe
we have been
How
what
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
18
prayer
How
How
we
How
How
have
have
How
we
have
studied our
have we sought
to
Lord
How
have
What have we
done
with our time, our talents, our opportunities, our influence, our various means of doing good to ourselves
and others ?
the effects of
momentary temptations
but
speak of
and
spirit.
But
let
be
filled
may
our hearts
God
details, that
thus
1.
clines there ?
Christ, in
God, in devotional study of the Bible, in self-examiHave we been "growing in grace, and in the
nation ?
may
speak
for another,
we have
too
much
all
departed
The
much
life
within ourselves.
We
human
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
19
wisdom, into the world. Grod has not had our hearts.
have not loved our Lord Jesus Christ in fervor
We
and
sincerity.
2.
evils.
public preaching?
Has
it
Have we
Have
Have
Have
souls?
we been
hearers
we have
On
all
these points,
been committing.
knows what tame, subordinate topics, what huinventions, what commandments and opinions
men, have sometimes weakened and deformed our
Grod
man
of
public ministry.
This
is
not
as
Have we denied
in
flocks
to
and
is it
Have we been
Have we looked
ourselves, our
1829
own
"go
saved in Christ
What
What
do
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
20
What
do the
houses and cottages and sick chambers of our congregations and neighborhoods speak
we been?
Where have
Has Christ
doing?
we
Brethren,
We
concerning
this.
discourses,
and have net urged each soul to the conWe have not brought Christ and
cerns of salvation.
his offers,
We
perishing sinner.
upon
their acceptance
tion, the
full before
offers
affec-
all
for
But
4.
let
what do our
libraries,
and
we
consciences.
0,
own
closets,
of all those
away
ity;
How much
in vain reading
in
examining the
last
new
new book on
divinity;
criticism
amusing
in
in its place,
is
and
his-**
speak not
manly know-
indispensable.
Have they
not super-
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
seded other more immediate duties
much
21
Has
And
how
we
have
often been.
not our
how
cold,
in the
formal
last thing
little like
brethren
pri-
and
let
word
of exhortation,
Can we
an-
fashions,
spirit,
we shown
Have we
Christ
?
Have we been separate from
maxims of the world? Have
Has our
led the
way
Have we
for
Christ
the
Have we
Have we
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
22
others.
scholars,
dents
we have been
we
our duties
among
but our
walk before men, when compared with the spirituality of thy holy example, and the standard of our profession, has
been worst of
And now,
it is
all
all.
It is into this
sewer
far
in the face.
we
tory.
Let us look back, each of us, on our past hisLet us remember those times of peculiar guilt
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
23
profession, grieved
waste our consciences, and weakened the whole simplicity and energy of our subsequent ministry. Why is it that things are at the low
ebb with many of us, which wc have pointed out in
the preceding pages ?
Is it not because of some great
sins, which, though known to few of our fellow-crea-
tures,
iour
The dregs
for the
suffice
If the writer
our
to
God and
Sav-
may
freely speak,
he would put
it
to
left
the
first
to mar and injure the simplicity of the soul, and produce that weak, vacillating, inefficient ministry, of
which our
flocks
that these
back
may
to our G-od
be honored by the
our
Again,
God
how much
for the
should
we
be abased before
;;
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
24
is
an-
We
how much
hand,
weaken
On
faith of Christ.
the one
fall
God, which
upon
Holy
all
is
them
Spirit
by
that believe
;"
unto
all,
and
the anticipations of
For ex-
new
creation by the
Holy
Spirit,
denied,
sacraments
And have
not
many
Have
crees of
Have
lished
Have
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
which directly lead
to spiritual
25
presumption
Have
us in such a time as
From
8.
of
this.
trove?"sies,
spring,
uncharitable
have not
bitter con-
heat, accusation,
disputes,
church
our controversies
ity of
Do we
?
?
Do we not harden
Do we not prevent
how much
party
still
"which
that
of the spirit of
spirit
within us
own
circle, his
own
and similar
respects.
let
him humble
own
which others
till
We
share in
all
"While
stands
still.
we keep
When
may we
Holy
hope
for the
Spirit.
Lord
to pour in the
;;
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
26
9.
want of suc-
that our
same
causes, and
dew
little fruit
scarcely
is
to the
"We
all
com-
but there
back
is 'a
falls,
A few are converted in our several parand neighborhoods, and we collect a little circle
around us and we should bless God for any the least
measure of success but we seldom see any great signals of divine power
a general awakening of souls
a holy and overwhelming influence on ministers and
people, which bears them above the world, and leads
them to live and walk closely with God. The evangelical fisherman does not cast out a wide net and
enclose a great multitude of fishes, and our converts
do not, in general, go on consistently and steadily
of blessing.
ishes
often decline
many
foolish
and hurt-
And why
is
all this ?
Because
we have
forsaken
and prayers
cause
we
because our
Now, the
God
expect so
little,
exercise so
real
own
first
for the-
if
little faith
be-
in
conversion of souls.
"He
that confesseth
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
27
and forsaketh his sins, shall have mercy." The remarkable confessions of Moses, Ezra, and Daniel; the
striking humiliations of the prophets Isaiah, Jere-
David
New
and the
in fasting
is
worth
men.
it
is
not in a spirit of
worthy
He
must,
alas,
take his
full
from zeal
love
from a
He
subject.
this
silence.
He
and others
to that
un-
may
ing
amendment and
reformation.
secret
most
and hidden
pious carriage,
part, that
evils,
may
we speak
Nor
is it
but of those
ergy.
we
speak, nor
of
28
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
these pages.
Do
Do
corrupt purposes.
Do
them
Remember, that
of a general class.
own
it
is
partly in
corruption
is
general
humiliation.
as
to
you ought.
labors.
you must
The
You have
their instructions.
put them in
faithful.
fear,
first
in the pro-
must
follow after
them.
sins,
They need
to confess
and lament
families.
their
own
and imploring
his
But
to return.
It is not to topics of
humiliation
we
pass on to a
must be confined
subject.
II. There are many grounds of hope in the present DAY WHICH MAY ENCOURAGE US IN OUR REFORMATION
AND REPENTANCE.
There is a movement in men's
I. God is at work.
minds towards
salvation.
Satan, indeed,
is
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
blasphemies
quarters
public press
29
is
failing
them
many
for fear
the
which
it
is
is
reproach to a Christian
Still,
God
at work.
own
The
spirit of
commerce and
Our
shore.
most
foreign bishops
Mahommedan
shaken to
its
Popery
is
Such
and of education.
to separate
for his
further blessings.
2.
erected,
may
be saved."
preparation there
has been
made during
what
the last
Whether
it
may seem
fit
to
Almighty G od
to use the
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
30
we know
not.
When
members and
leading conductors of
all
our
insti-
may we
then
be
filled
What is the
among the lower
it
when God
with
it
shall descend,
his grace?
immense
What
rapidity of pro-
What
own
be
filled
In our
own
national
new
ones,
with their
tings
five or six
half of them
for
number
the poor
the equal
amount
of enlarged old
sit-
subserving the
Remember,
also,
Conceive of eleven or
all
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
31
may
rapid
tell
We
positive evil
new
as well as old
And
armies.
measure of success already obtained the schools esthe churches foundtablished in heathen countries
ed
wit-
established
effects
of
uncivilized
raised
these
forth
of
the
foretell
full rising of
Sun of righteousness?
What, especially, does the movement among the
the
spirit
of inquiry
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
32
the
ous discussions going on the converts made the
the New Testament
Hebrew, and
ous other languages, among themthe education of
childrenwhat
but machinery standawakened among that remarkable people
seri-
diffusion of
vari-
in
their
is all
this
And
is
it
What
Jews
but as
dead
and unregenerate gentile world ?
3. But to pass from the hopes beaming upon the
framework and instrumentality of religious exertions,
will the fulness of the
what encouragement
be,
life
to a
to a penitent return to
God does
standard of truth
the
separation of
authoritative
all
men from
the infirm
ble to the
given of
all
man
in all nations
the
country
the
to
man-
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
kind
33
What
thus
is
agents
religious
for
other
improvement
for
for
societies
and
schools,
for
converts,
for
Join to this
which our
unite with
it
sins
nothing which
for in
and there
such a period
as the present.
4.
Nor
ment, that
is it
we
the church.
"
We
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
34
age.
combat.
The
pent.
itself
up
self-distrust
But each
is
for those
ser-
are
class of Satan's
and discovered
its
so
are so
fices
but
profit
by past experience.
Persecution does not extinguish, but feed and enlarge the church.
for
This lesson
we
will
for the
Satan
cause of Clod.
this ground,
if
we
are firm in
faith.
The
commandments
of
faith of
by twelve cen-
is
on
its
guard.
bigotry,
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
35
with
points,
The
all
and charity as
to
liberality
uniformity, besides
is
man
many
others peculiar to
made
itself.
this the
Satan will
it for
a thousand years.
Can our
spiritual adversary
it,
while
we
bear in
mind
of less
overstatements
that errors
rather call
permitted to distract and alienate the hearts of Christians, if we only call to mind the endless feuds and
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
36
Has
off
two
the synod of
power of
Can
solid, scrip-
Christ, into
And
follows so close
the
German neologism
for
now
tury?
Is it not, then, a source of
hope
for
the future,
Has
various schemes?
for
us the remembrance
failure,
in order to
of our former
we
not, profit
by past observation?
an encouragement
causes of
to
Shall
And
we
is
not, do
not this
we
if
it
as a
most
for the grace of the Holy Spirit has been most ear-
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
nestly
and solemnly
37
During the
of grace.
friendly conferences
plicit
met
and steadfast
to plead,
faith,
the ex-
waters in the
first
creation.
face of the
not, indeed,
all
indications
it
bespeaks the
it
it
of dif-
instance of success
it
of
It is
impossible
to reflect
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
38
and in the
and important nations of the new world, without blessing God, from the bottom of our hearts, for
his goodness, and without anticipating a large and
rising
moment
This
is
is,
God with
to approach our
the very
This
moment
prostrate hearts.
machinery, or the
rience, but to
man,
or
before our
And
to this
duty
we
for sin?
Do
in every good
And have
not
and
the
subject of these
especially by,
pages, the
what
is
arousing of ministers
to humiliation, diligence,
this
awakened
to a
state of the
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
new
strain of preaching, a
new
39
fervor in proposing
new
bold-
And
God has vouchsafed his
it
not in this
way
that
peculiar grace?
new
new
this
new
attention
spirit of confession
ground now
us,
What means,
some time?
for
above
all,
numbers
large
for the
more
full of
it is
to
no uninteresting duty
own
Humiliation
sins.
the best
means
from heaven.
time when he
to the clergy,
demanded
of us as
by a voice
at the
What was
us ?
it is to a duty
by the mercies of God as much as by our
invites
and impels
may
And
what we
hope to which
we
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
40
divine
of the
mercy and
The
for
grace.
The
fated aposta-
all
Divine proph-
enemy
are
known,
if
if
is
prepared,
if
the holy
to be granted,
is
when "the
weep between
pense.
ances
Hope
may
is
die
not possession.
away and
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
God may
excitement.
roll
all
back,
41
if
we
do not
OF THE SANCTUARY.
For
we must
revival of
at home, in our
own
bosoms, before
it
can animate
And
is
our heart
his
own
is.
No man
rises
habitual godliness.
we would urge
Our ministry
much
Let
is
as
new
each de-
Let
us not be contented with our present low standard.
Let us imbibe more of the grace of Christ, as the
course.
source of
personality and
work
the
Holy Ghost the emptiness of the world, the fulness and blessedness of
heaven these are primary, essential truths. All the
of the
its
precepts are
a
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
42
important
simple ones
first
heaven and
hell,
every thing.
fill
our minds,
be sought in the
heart by
much
place, be
first
most interesting of
of Christianity be
all
concerns.
made
constantly return, as
it
to bear
were, from
all
other religious
Every
thing
is
speculation, unless
it
God
to
Let spirituality
To be "
love
life
this is religion.
God
with himself,
is
The source
of
relig-
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
"We
ion.
may
43
no doubt
find
main cause
ness
is
our
own
rise
up generally, even
our
own
piety
is
own
revival
Our people
souls.
to our standard
own
for
2.
will never
if,
cold,
therefore,
our
own
own impressions
own souls faint,
people's to be
How
can
we
our
hearts.
tial,
and unfaithful-
own
but the
it first
appear in our-
ous confession
licly
implored
creatures
that the
may
may
be honored by ingenu-
arm
of
of Grod invoked
display and
the dust,
his ordination
is
If
of the faithful
fol-
would then be
ing out their prayers for the grace of the Holy Spirit,
and confessing
their sins
and the
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
44
special fasting
and prayer.
soul of religion.
What
Humiliation
a blessing would
the very
is
it
be, if the
Our
holy exercises.
sins
our peni-
is
a further duty,
nicious.
it
common
Notions of
But a
office of
the Christian
ment
Christ
such a conception
essential to
any great
flock of
is
There
is
revival of religion.
contempt
was considered
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
men from
45
coveting
appointments.
the
office of
awakened church.
put to
and grace
pomp and
appearances.
Men acknowledged, in the unassuming
and meek and devout leaders of the Reformation, the
revival of the primitive, the true character and elevation of the pastoral
must abase
our office.
We
character which
We
employment.
must no
must
Yes, brethren, we
we must magnify
rise to the
it
longer think
it
an ordinary matter, a
may
be done at any
our time,
all
It
our diligence,
all
no
must occupy
all
it
must take
all
our care,
an unspeakable
gift.
It
touches on eternity.
It is
It
God,
all
The gospel
found-
till it
him
safely in heaven.
most
fearful.
the
office
Spirit.
Till
onr
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
46
filled
till
we
see nothing to be
till
nothing sat-
human
pursuit and
it
we
till
human
wis-
we draw
till
all
our
is
this
one point
we aim
at,
we can
religion
is
a deeper con-
sympathy,
God
move
from God
it is
alone.
are
Whoever
The success
plants,
for conis
whoever waters,
But
as our all-wise
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
47
and gracious God has condescended to use the instruman in dealing with man, in awakening
mentality of
man,
in converting
us to
for
rise
up
man,
it is
If GJ-od uses
sation.
the affections,
The minister
his fellow-men.
is
life,
as
ministry, in
The minister
is
to
it
its
The
perverted record.
forgotten or
to the
lation,
is
the
continued, the
life
of our
The
but
its
success
holy ministry
word without
is
the
;
him
before
men,
the min-
it
from perversions,
to raise it
ing
and
inefficient
but in
its
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
48
place, of incalculable
moment.
It is the link
between
To preach
human
applause,
earthly eloquence
not to
is
is
it
move
much
make
to clear
it
not to court
higher thing
to give a
to
is
the passions by
is
Paul spoke,
St.
away from
it is
it
to
it is
it is
and clothe
it
with
all
the attri-
it is
and
with which
force,
was
first
commandments
clothed by the
inspired authors.
is
it
legends
of saints,
to
of
but what am
saying?
I appeal, brethren,
what has
we are
What has made the
What has, in many
extinguished Christianity
places, well-nigh
Is
it
Who
are
first to
sanctuary
ways,
if
not in a
reform,
And
in
if
what
is
a revival to
show
pulpit instruction
amend
their
0, be-
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
loved brethren,
if
our
God
revisit us,
49
we
shall
have
We
ages.
shall
Austins,
revived
among
nothing
standard
us.
Latimers, our
Baxters
but
and
fastid-
the ministry
and urge truth in its pristine simpliupon the hearts of men the Saviour will again
will represent
city
be
known
ledged and
felt
meaning
the state of
the errors of
seized, its
man acknow-
The
from essential
plied boldly
been a portent
our sermons
our views
doctrine a form
are an
evasionour
and
inefficient.
our consciences,
cessity
to
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
50
flock in private
toral duties.
the
we been
Lamentably as we have
isters ?
doing as min-
failed in a general
its
all
especial design,
those parts of
we have
it
office,
and in
failed as
lam-
We
have
which we stand
and secular
to our parishes
but what
direction, in affec-
and individual in
in becoming acquainted with the char-
our
districts,
ought
to
And
if
a gen-
Nothing
urgency of the
is
tion,
that
we
And
consider, breth-
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
ren,
how many
51
who
who must be
sought out
of grace
are detained at
home by
infirmity, or
illness
of
of
vice or
consider, in short,
is
that those
some
whom
some good
habits,
some pa-
but
National
do
much
all will
should
we
will receive
are
you
On
year, if possible.
now
for
the
enforc-
and almost
at.
least every
Baxter
following work will be an admirable guide.
was himself a pattern in these respects.
The immediate good effects of such labor will be
You will be able to apply and set home
incalculable.
your public sermons to the conscience of each person.
You
more
visit-
will induce
ed afterwards.
minister
who
them
them
all in private, is
there
is
a family
a quickness, a
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
52
of the
human
heart rapidly
best materials
his style
word
is
own
more
While he
devotional.
while he
is
for
himself: the
engaged
his
fruit-
com-
in
but
the second
its
an impulse
visits, gives
is
first is
is
parent earth.
human
itation
is
made more
is
taking in
materialsthe
collects
of truth with
ishes his
for his
One
half
heart in personal
med-
It is in this
way,
also,
If
labor.
up
to
of incalculable moment.
is
we
away
field of
his time, he
personal effort
influence,
are at
work with
us.
work
Lay-
minister can-
must not
frit-
hundred hands
This is more espe-
to a
and undigested
instruction.
effusions, if
Wisdom,
he attempted individual
therefore,
must be
exercised.
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
53
may
duty
must judge
secretaries
for
himself before
animate others
God
there
visitors of
each
must be
our great
re-
by
No-
so
much
Nothing will
in our
own
hearts.
spirit of prayer.
No-
Nothing will
human
folly,
the imper-
No-
manly
discussion, will be
moved by
fervid appeals,
manner,
assume an orthodox profession, entertain minisat their table, admire and defend them in pri-
will
ters
vate, follow
many
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
54
their side
hasty
We
These
God.
effects
is
begun, and
all
And
this
can only be
our apprehension of
ing of
it
tion, lead
to
its
us to the
full
blessing.
Holy Ghost,
as contained
in the whole body of the Scriptures, must accompany the above directions, or all will fail. Nothing
sanctifies
truth.
and
silent
An
is
im-
comprehensible God,
success.
is
handing down
moved
all
by the Holy Ghost
the revelation which infinite "Wisdom saw needful
and best, and in the manner and form which was
most suitable to the designs of God and the state of
man delivering to the church unmixed and absolutely pure truth, without any defect, any omission,
any superfluity, any exaggeration, any mistake
to a lost
world
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
leaving us the standard of
example of
practice, the
55
the rule of
all doctrine,
all
holiness
such
is
all
the
men,
is left
Brethren, a re-
revival of the
authority of the Bible, a revival of the unlimited sovereignty of the inspired book, in overruling
errors of
all
the
in governing
The cup
cured.
of salvation
rah," or the
We
and terms of
sies,
this blessed
truth
calumniated,
is
of faith
we must
when
by these we express our solemn opinion in brief, upon particular points of truth, and protect the flock from the incursion of hirelings and false
teachers but the filling up of these outlines is to be
taken from the Bible we are to preach and expound,
not the fallible summaries of man, but the infallible
word
of Grod.
And
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
56
We
importance.
manding
must,
seize the
first,
main com-
the inspired
have told
nate.
matters.
tion
and
If
of the
key
he
is
possessed
the pearl of
unknown
price, that
he
is
enriched with
command-
term Christ
it
is
knowledge.
embraces, of course,
them how
men
to
for
walk
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
Christianity,
must be
57
revived Christianity
is
a revived
But
in connection
with
main
this
discovery,
it is
the prophecies,
all
Not a verse
all
the biographies,
will
in the Bible
life
The
;
if
we
Bible
it is
We
and experience.
mistakes,
the examples,
not a theo-
a system embodied,
down, moulded
all
attention.
speculative system
retical,
lation,
its
all
to be applied to practice.
tual
but has
weight.
shall
make
to ac-
the greatest
and purpose
for
way
which he
different dispensations
is
to be preached, the
light
3*
is
uni-
least of
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
58
Even
man.
of
the
doctrines of Scripture,
and with
will mingle
nothing;
let
but
us beware.
let
the subor-
Human passion
Let us overstate
ters; let
wisdom."
It is
all
Wide
judgment
by the
feeble reason of man from the holy Scriptures.
But
of
little
moment,
if
commanding
these are
the
doctrines, and the true spirit of Christianity are chiefly
enforced, and if minor points are not dogmatically
and fiercely urged.
Dear brethren, let the Bible be our religion, our
and divide the church.
must
differences of
the
statementthe
Bible in
its
Bible in all
unutterable mysteries
subordinate
its
parts
the
Bible, softly
and gra-
dom and
God
When
meekness.
glorify his
will descend
and
command.
Let the holy Saviour, the Holy Spirit, the holy Scrip-
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
tures, be our
dertake or hope
7.
59
ular considerations,
is
we
un-
and
alt sec-
live in a
The gospel
Our danger,
We
religion.
to
fashionable,
all
for.
is
live in a
time of
much
way
in a certain
without
much
display in dress, in
of external propriety,
life
We
self-denial or spirituality.
must,
we would
considerations,
if
suggested, and
glorify Christ.
fulfil
We
must
despise the
of the flesh.
ground.
We
There
is
are walking as
No man
which is ever ready to carry us away.
can keep his standing without constant prayer and
And all these dangers are augmented
watchfulness.
in a
when many
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
60
ing
it
lic
situation, the
forms
is all
for
appears as the
It
our warning.
It hides itself
foresight.
olence.
It
him
management
of our con-
society
to
for
doing
good
and
removing prejudice.
is
lawful, minis-
time, and
weaken
their
still
God
from
its
the decisions
excused, defended.
The marks
of a
lukewarm
spirit
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
61
we made
We
in early
life
are
;
gence.
earthly things obtain possession, Christ and his doctrine are enfeebled, the pity
has
like salt
awake
which has
to our
we once
our self-denial
is
danger ere
be too
it
felt
for souls
gone, and
we
are
Brethren, let us
late.
Let us shake
Let
objects.
begin at
tired,
is
home
we must
we must
Never can we
a heavenly religion.
we
call
our
are looking
back ourselves.
if
we have
are such as
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
62
Then
and color of the statement as unnatural?
examine, we entreat you, whether this does not arise
from your own wrong state of heart. Perhaps you
have never
felt
your
sins, as
an individual penitent,
Perhaps you have
them
in deep contrition.
Per-
consequence
committed
sin,
and
self,
is,
to your charge
you
start at them.
You
life
to greater diligence,
you want
unconverted minister
people with
him
of the blind.
is
dragging
to perdition.
He
is
all
He
is
sins.
An
a blind leader
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
rebellion,
his self-righteousness,
63
his negligence.
repent, then,
for
religion
own
among
salvation.
others;
We
we
deal with
you
for
your
We
by the value of
importance
of
by the unutterable
and turn to
souls,
eternity,
awake
to
God.
2.
magistrate be
you are
so a
But
statesman
to salvation, to
You
So
may
But
so a landlord.
men
this all
is
You
are
And
does a
to
little
society
It is
It is
not of
him.
is
does.
He
powers
he
is
64
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
vessel to dash
upon the
rocks,
is
Was
it
for
human knowledge
Believe
indisposes
more
it,
to
the pride of
the humbling
is
filled
literary
The
soul
is
barren, the
spirit
in
a minister of Christ
is
direct
The
piety
but
salvation.
4. But objections may be advanced to the statements of this essay, by the theological inquirer
who has made divinity his study, who has examined
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
65
fathers
He
with enthusiasm
ble
it
He condemns
to a spirit of party
he complains of
objects
he terms
it
it
it,
it
on
as
he charges
as impractica-
with a name of
reproach.
plain answer
is,
him enter upon religion as a practical matter between God and his own soul, and he will soon form
a totally different judgment from that which he now
let
entertains.
Lay
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
66
centre-point of revelation
the element
of salvation
which we
plead.
leaves
man
to
all
the
life
natural powers,
his
of the
self-conceit, is content
fills
him
with a dead
faith
an enemy
it,
to spiritual religion,
and
to the revival of
Oh,
offered to Grod.
if it
very
first effect
of this
among
disputatious,
self-confident,
worldly
evils
spirit.
own
We
truth.
in men.
We
by making
it
the
means
of conversion
make
may
may
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
G7
They
tenanced.
They
are impeded.
cere,
he
weakest Christian
shall
know
Ask
and judicious
advice
friends.
sionaries. #
much among
you
Act on
Bible.
in prayer.
The
Study your
Be much
Read
of the doctrine."
shall overcome,
see
and
Compare what
feel
Go
Fear not
Your difficulties and discouragements will lessen. " The path of the just is as the
shining light, which shineth more and more unto
the face of man.
Remember,
admonition
finally,
I will
It is
As
literary spirit
Richmond.
To
these lives
we would
add, as books of
thoughts.
Cecil's
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
68
own
purposes.
merely decent,
name
of a clergyman, he
But
to arouse a careless
on them to
we must
we
Satan, as
not deterred.
he that
this kindles
all
calculate on the
artifices
of
But be
proceed in our holy course.
" Greater is He that is for us, than
in the world."
is
Him who
hath done
all
things
The
us; and we need not fear discomfiture.
power of Christ will rest upon us the tie of united
for
aid
we
own
We
praise.
done
all
To Him,
all.
therefore,
who hath
we have
loved us, be
us go
are,
forth,
even of his
love.
In this
spirit,
and with
among the
and then among the laity,
clergy of
may
all
our churches,
be humbly hoped
tion, if
duly
felt,
for.
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY.
69
all
fall into
feeling
out, directly
result.
to
for
for
for the
efforts
ultimate end of
all,
and are
in the highest,
men."
D.
Islington, March, 1829.
W.
DEDICATION
BY BAXTER.
TO
Reverend Brethren
The
committed
to
this address,
manner
it
emboldeneth
me
to
it,
my
it,
they judged
it
unmeet
to enter
DEDICATION.
72
at Worcester,
God
by them
I
at
to preach.
was
others, I
desired
which, though
it
was most
But
the increase of
my ordinary
unwilling omission,
by
was
recompense which
to
have
in another tongue,
it
vulgar
or, at
least,
that
and not
it
to the
should have
when
enthusiasts
en to their suggestions,
tion very considerable
confess
but that
to heark-
prevailed not to
DEDICATION.
my
alter
7:3
resolution, is to be ascribed,
among
others,
It
It
was
principally our
own
us
own
for confessing
and shame
3.
it is
is
to ourselves,
we ought
us
our
to do
When
open
is
attempt
told
to hide it
sin
If the
the sin
in vain to
sins,
shift to
But
if
they
in English.
it
not
The work
out.
make known
our
sin,
to ourselves;
and
if
of confession
and freely
is
them
find
to take the
shame
If
we
purposely to
covereth
prosper,
to cover
if
"he that
we be so
God will
tender
be the
for us.
He
fession, or his
judgments
to the world.
4.
Rrf. Pa=tor.
the
work
of the
DEDICATION.
74
is
it
become
we saw
we would
If
But
when
sin,
time
we
to
do
think
else
it
is
should
as incurable
We
For what
means
were
to be
plainly rebuke
To bear with
used.
is
to
for
is
depraving and undoing of the people, than the depravity of their guides
brethren
whom
venture to reprehend
not
to
make
If thou-
pump
DEDICATION.
75
not
awaken them
to their
you
work, and
And
if
all,
call
would you
on them to
man was
think that
DEDICATION.
76
alone in your sin,
we must
not, if
freely than
and
you alone
let
not easily do
which
but
if
you
the
all
is
is
quench
fires
may
it,
how much
soever
it
displease
the guilty.
Thus
me
much
of the sins
done.
any
And
are,
more
easily
and
But
their guilt
DEDICATION.
hand when you
77
friends.
But
now
my principal
business
is
yet behind.
must
you that
ness, assuring
you
my
bold-
myself as
much
as
my
some of
silence, if it
souls of
men, and
my
me
if so it
must be
and
to this
called.
to
many
souls
who
all
will be persuaded to
it,
God
wisdom
will gainsay
submit thereto
having
it ?
sufficiently
for
men, gainsay
it ?
DEDICATION.
78
religion,
doubt among
tion, is past
us.
many
instruction hath
good,
is
no
beyond dispute.
less
duty
love
we
many
we can
for
our
all.
If
as
your parish
of your duty,
them, and to
no
to speak to a
few of
to afford
them
if
help.
work
as this
And
is
it
all
duties should be
we need
And
if
we
are agreed to
commonly acknowledged
stances.
I
of his church
all
Combine
DEDICATION,
79
for the unanimous performance of it, that it maymore easily procure the submission of your people.
I must confess, I find, by some experience, that this
is the work that, through the grace of God, must
reform indeed that must expel our common prevailing ignorance that must bow the stubborn hearts
that must answer their vain objections,
of sinners
and take off their prejudices that must reconcile
their hearts to faithful ministers, and help forward
the success of our public preaching and make true
godliness a commoner thing than it has hitherto
;
been.
we
I find that
how
excellent a duty so
as I suppose
of
it,
but
it is
my
and
too great,
was kept
But
long.
I
with
others.
off
till
now.
won-
was with me
was long convinced
the case
I
my
was long hindered from the performance of it. I imagined the people would scorn it,
and none but a few who had least need would submit to it, and I thought my strength would never
small, and so I
go through with
it,
me
which I beseech
before and thus I long delayed
Whereas, upon trial,
the Lord of mercy to forgive.
it,
the
find
difficulties
through
my
which
imagined
forts of the
work
and
I find
it for all
only
to that
to be such, that I
We spend
save
almost nothing
DEDICATION.
bO
to night, in the
we may
fifteen or sixteen
in
all
my
logue of
all
hour
Brethren, do I
now
invite
you
to this
work with-
all
own
consciences
" It
is
DEDICATION.
and comfort them upon
He
permit.
is
to
seasonable occasions, so
all
81
And
health,
peace of conscience.
am
It
is
an
devoted to
God
man
who,
after
so clear
that he
which
is
Grod,
cannot conceive
and
of saving grace,
and delight
in
his
service,
work
as this
so
drawn
except under
to
as Chris-
tians,
4#
;
!
DEDICATION..
82
and
for the
and
to use the
must be accomplished
know
show
it
abhors.
It is easier
to perform
it
now to
duty than
cavil against
judgment.
final
church
means by which
believe
Grod?
make
a comfortable account of
selves to
it,
who
to
And
it,
but take
any
if
tations as aforesaid.
you
to
make
them
it for
granted that
it
will be done.
do cavil against
it,
or hold
off,
resist
what
sorrow,
it
was
with him.
to trifle
for
and
to
own
seem
to
satisfied
wills,
Woe
and carnal
interest.
Nor
own.
Then they
now they
DEDICATION.
that there
g$
is
is
them
to
I am
arguments for
the last,
sure
my
death, at the
this
the
light of eternity.
the
souls, that
you
work, but do
beseech you, in
of your people's
vigorously,
that
it
took not
congregations.
effect,
For
but truly
am
not sorry
lie
inferior parts
many
ministers
For
And
it
with
I fear
who preach
old,
for this
ignorant,
them
DEDICATION.
84
tliey
let
work
must do it, or else
us be up and doing with all
When you
do so by inferior
upon
and
us,
is
cast
it
must be undone,
our might.
men ?
we
it is
that
profess
it is
to
me
for there I
speak to more,
less
faithfully.
My
would
is,
that they
good
men
It is
mon
cry
is,
"Our
The com-
But
is
it;
they
you
will occasion?
If,
indeed,
some cases
may
till
may
be omit-
discipline, yet it is a
hard case to
many
settle in a
years together, as
we
DEDICATION.
85
have done, unless there were an absolute impossiwork. And if it were so because of our
bility of the
incapable materials,
it
would plainly
call
may
us to
alter
be capable.
if
it
it
risy, so
that
is
fortable;
and you
may
the cost.
My
last request
that
is,
all
work
of the Lord,
yet spend
them
their edification,
work.
dal,
Read
Archbishop
of
Canterbury,
will find
it
them
to
Edmond
Grin-
queen
Eliza-
to
and
You
exercises.
Church of
England.
Brethren, I entreat your pardon for the infirmities of this address;
I shall
to those duties
which
have
DEDICATION.
86
to oppose
and
hinder you.
Your unworthy
fellow-servant,
RICHARD BAXTER.
April
15,
1656.
THE
REFORMED PASTOR
"TAKE HEED THEREFORE UNTO YOURSELVES, AND TO ALL THE
FLOCK OVER THE WHICH THE HOLY GHOST HATH MADE YOU
OVERSEERS, TO FEED THE CHURCH OF GOD, WHICH HE HATH
PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD." Acts 20:28.
to
freely do so without
sion.
over
we may
If the
set
an-
may do it
if
fess I think
if
we had
we
So that
con-
this.
And we
should
68
flocks, lest, if
That
this
sian elders.
Had
Ephe-
many
them
it
to greater
been
for
to the
up
their
applause in the
themselves.
To consider what
ivhat
manner
to illustrate the
and
And
lastly,
it is to
in
propose to
it is to
To inquire
to ourselves.
to state
all
the flock.
to make some
PART
I.
CHAPTER
I.
Let us
first
consider,
What
it is to
take heed to
ourselves.
I. See that the work of saving grace be thoroughly wrought in your own souls. Take heed to
yourselves, brethren, lest you should be destitute of
that saving grace of Grod which you offer to others,
and be strangers to the effectual working of that
gospel which you preach and lest, while you proclaim to the world the necessity of a Saviour, your
own hearts should neglect him, and you should miss
Take
of an interest in him and his saving benefits.
heed to yourselves, lest you perish while you call upon
others to take heed of perishing and lest you famish
;
Though
is
to righteousness,'
Their
own
first
Dan. 12
3,
turned to
it
that
is
them-
may
though their
be a condition of the
Many
man
hath
90
is
upon
now
in hell,
who hath
men
man
themselves
and
others
when he hath
it
Many
God
many
it.
himself:
a hundred times
diligence to escape
to that place of
it
for
Believe
dressed for
it,
brethren,
and them.
It is
but
it
Doth
Bible,
condemnation ?
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
91
own
men
do in per-
Christ, in
to
condemning.
is
yet he
ness
is
for
and
many
like
splendid stones
is
seldom
he
is
nothing
;"
when he is
He
and naked."
tures,
he
is
is
open disgraceful
sin,
he serveth at God's
altar,
he
re-
life
on them
holy ?
to
we
this
is this,
man
but be
to perish in
life
and urge
it
92
we
that while
others, to
we
wretched
make
ourselves,
man would
an account, and
it
my
counsel,
fall
life to
any more
whether food
in the
name
take
before he preach
sider
it
misrepresent us to ourselves.
he would
the
of their souls,
may
and
to others.
He would
con-
his prayers, if
whether
it
he regard
in-
we have
when he shall hear these
awful words, " Depart from me, I know you not;" and
what comfort it will be to Judas when he has gone
to his own place, to remember that he preached with
the other apostles, or that he sat with Christ and was
called by him friend.
When such thoughts as these
the day of reckoning to say, " Lord, Lord,
to go to their congregations,
50
sermon on
Psal.
G-od saith,
What
utes, or that
16,
souls,
17
my
my
stat-
covenant into
thy mouth
my
it
by
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
their tears
their sin,
and then
and lament
to
make
93
a full confession of
whole
as-
God
for
may
preach a Saviour
whom
it is
the
own experience.
common danger and
may
feel
riches of the
calamity of the
and to have
so
and
so to worship
disci-
an unknown God,
He
is like
to be
in his heart.
ties
is it to
some
some
this
little
of those
know God
renewing
to
94
dream
A world
before.
of business they
make them-
who
in
is all
all.
great purpose,
if
of the creature,
God
till
is
not studied.
we know
as
it
it
We know little
stands related to
He who
Him who
is
overlooketh
him
in
all,
all.
Were
we
we make nothing of
It is one thing to know the creaourselves.
Aristotle, and another thing to know them as
separate
them
to
tures as
a Christian.
them
in our fancies,
None but
it
rightly.
It is
many apprehend
but
it
is
and placed
in
and
the
name
of
God
so legibly
it
to read the
all
was
nature
engraven on
it,
that
man
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
95
might run and read it. He could not open his eyes,
but he might see some image of God but nowhere
so fully and lively as in himself.
It was, therefore,
his work to study the whole volume of nature, but
chiefly to study himself.
And if man had held on in
;
to increase in
but when he
this course, he
way
and himself
know-
it,
And
doth
now
live to
man
Surely every
vanity.
man walketh
is
altogether
in a vain
show
work
It is the
and to restore us
obedience
faith in
and as he
him
is
the
is
way
the
way
and
to the Father, so
to our former
employment
is
of
man
96
know them.
all
pleasure therein
Him
that
;"
is
made them.
other sciences
" His
Your study
To
of physics and
if it
be not
God
see
philosophy
called again
the contrary
mere
of
life
and when he
them
And
is
it is
they set
presume
by the
it
it,
-that
Redeemer, and
themselves to
set
going beyond a
fool in philosophy.
the
are devoted
to tell you,
ies.
is
so
to pass
commandeth
before the
physics
is
This
when they
the case
and only
and
all.
therefore I shall
way, that
foolery,
God must be
way
is
capable of
Theology must
of all our stud-
which
self.
is
is
when
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
97
for
It is a
boys.
search after,
works
the saints of
The
and the Psalms may show us that our
physics are not so little related to theology as some
in this exalted exercise.
book of Job
suppose.
I do,
propose
pious tutors,
diligently,
practical divinity
and there is no
any of the sciences
and whether they
should not go together from the very first?
It is
well that they hear sermons
but that is not enough.
If tutors would make it their principal business to
cipal parts of
other
as
and labor to
98
it
and so carry
may
appear
and that
this,
may
their pupils
and
so that they
like divines,
if it
life
many
in the
Hence
it is,
that
we have
so
many
worldlings
Christ, or so
many
and when they are taught philosophy before or without religion, what wonder if their philosophy be all
or
most of
their religion.
Again, therefore,
address myself to
all
who have
You
that are
life
to come.
Do
not
OVERSIG-HT OF OURSELVES.
You
them.
make.
may
99
for
dili-
You have
have
to serve
thing
it
will be to their
own
souls,
When
church?
affect-
more
it
heartily
own
their
heartily,
and preach
of their hearers.
work
nor
for the
for
souls.
the
to set
it
home
it more
them to
100
II.
preach
them
If
to others.
you did
this for
your
own
it
it.
praises
that which
is
I confess I
my own
distempers of
grow
cold,
fused,
my
my
is
my
it
by
flock the
soul.
preaching
preaching
likely to
is
must speak
is
confused
my
and so
can often
hearers, that
when
too
nurses of Christ's
food ourselves,
we
little ones.
shall
if
we
let
if
forbear taking
will soon be
it
we
we
are not
we
famish them;
several duties
If
If
we
if
the matter
feed on un-
fruitless controver-
Whereas,
if
we abound
in faith
it.
zeal,
:;
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
how would
101
it
how would
gregations, and
it
own
to
hearts,
and
if
to sub-
you make
all
or,
you have an
blessing to attend
it
from on high.
by
losers
it
as well as you.
therefore, look to
to
draw away
error,
pang of
you should
If a
sight
and you
of a blessing,
your
faces.
will be
spiritual
fall
into
many
your hearts.
any dangerous
and they
own judg-
How
;
:
102
affections,
But besides
and our
first
therefore, for
be then cold,
of his hearers
is to
how is he
go to the congregation
likely to
warm the
Therefore, go then to
God
hearts
for life
the pulpit
assembly,
may
that
appear in
all
to the
to
him
before he depart.
III.
Take heed
to yourselves, lest
your example
contradict your doctrine, and lest you lay such stumbling-blocks before the blind, as
may
be the occasion
of their ruin
lest
when
own labors.
men are all
other
It
much
the
week
we
but
it
we cannot be at hand to
much more hinder your
will
tongue the
lie,
and
if
This
if
expose their
work,
if
you
the
think
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES
that the word of
God
is
103
and
means
to
make
He
that
One
etous action,
may
many
a sermon,
all
winning of
your labors
it
at so
little
cheap a
and
souls,
You
attain-
value suc-
rate, or will
it.
weighty
tions, words,
and actions,
of misplacing affec-
THE REFORMED PASTOR.
104
ser-
them
pressed to serve
were
for the
them
no
man
They
pleased
And
of a fantastic wit.
yet,
when
it
came
to
matter
They that
live precisely.
What
and
them
in their life
and conversation.
Certainly, brethren,
we
we
we have
what we say if
we must not
but must serve him with our
do, as well as
be tongue-servants only,
we may
be
doers,
own
selves."
cally preached.
lest
practical doctrine
We
must study
"
we
deceive our
must be
practi-
how
to live
as hard
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
well, as
how
how
think again,
tend
to
to
We
preach well.
to
compose our
105
may most
lives as
When you
if
them
and what
How
you
will be
most
likely to
with yourself,
and how
and what
shall I do,
may
to the saving of
men's souls?
Brethren,
tainly intend
it
shall I live,
most tend
if
How
it
it,
it.
and contribute
If
all
and
esteemed ministers at
all.
to do well, as well
condemn
sin,
and persuade
men to
Maintain your
Let your
duty.
lives
Would you
106
are of yours
time, do not
Order your
own fam-
ilies
self-denial.
For-
you
to take
may
come them with kindness and patience and gentleThe former may show that you have more
ness.
worldly power than they
tell
but
it is
excel
are ordi-
the latter
them
in spir-
excellency.
If
a conqueror, or even to be a
man
set
descend to
men
of
to be the servants of
low estate."
;
Remem-
all.
Be not strange
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
ness for contempt.
ends,
may
107
do abundance of good.
any one
ning carriage
is
a cheap
way
of doing
men
good.
them promise
to read
you can.
rich
all
the good
if
you do
If
is
the safest
is
the
it
for
And because
it, is
no true Christian.
it when he cannot spare it, and theremakes that his self-deceiving shift, I say further,
that the man who will not be persuaded that duty is
fore
therein to be expended,
is
no true Christian
for
108
take
it,
therefore, as
mammon
the
of unrighteousness,
and
to lay
up
on earth.
You
lose
no great advantage
for
treaslittle
heaven,
by becoming poor.
I know, where the heart is carnal and covetous,
words will not wring men's money out of their hands
they can say all this, and more to others but saying
is one thing, and doing is another.
But with those
that are true believers, methinks such considerations
should prevail.
what abundance of good might
ministers do, if they would but live in contempt of
the world, and the riches and glory thereof, and expend all they have in their Master's service, and pinch
their flesh, that they may have wherewith to do good.
This would unlock more hearts to the reception of
and without
their doctrine, than all their oratory
this, singularity in religion will seem but hypocrisy
and it is likely that it is so. Though we need not do
:
and profess
IV.
sins
to cast
Take heed
to yourselves, lest
you
live in those
lest you
you condemn. Will
magnify Grod, and when
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
you venture on
men
so
it ?
not fear
them ?
trouble
men with
why
false,
do you not
be true,
why
tell
do you
do you needlessly
without a cause?
frights
ment
they be
if
why
be not,
if it
If God's threatenings
109
will
you do them ?
not
"
Thou
thyself?
dost thou
What,
shall the
evil that
down
?
Take heed
you cry down sin, and yet do not
overcome it lest, while you seek to bring it down in
others, you bow to it, and become its slaves your-
to yourselves, lest
;
selves
same
" For of
is
whom
man
is
overcome, of the
" To whom ye
whom
brethren,
it is
easier to
it.
He must
will teach
to be
men
known
all
in order to salvation.
what
qualifica-
such a charge
upon him
difficulties in
as
110
How many
ob-
How
scure texts of Scripture to be expounded
many duties to be performed, wherein ourselves and
others may miscarry, if in the matter and manner
!
done
foresight, cannot be
What
number
of sly
that
eyes,
may
How many
escape them!
we
this,
And can
so
much
work,
men ?
how many
we can scarcely procure a patient hearing. We cannot make a breach in their groundless hopes and
carnal peace, but they have twenty shifts and seem-
ing reasons to
make
it
up again
them.
We
We
have children
stand us.
We
We
have wil-
when
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
made
vow
was
We
fain to depart.
dispute
much
nei-
nor
I will
my
come
precise,
of
it
all
what
not change
sins
never be so
I will
We
will."
my mind
we go
man were to
as
if
crowd of violent
and unwearied
lution,
diligence,
"Who
do.
we were
if
we
who have
all this
is sufficient for
to
these
sufficient
As Peter
saith to every
change,
all
"What manner
of persons ought ye to be in
all
these things
may
lie
we
to be in all
say to
upon our
This
What
and of how
skill
think
is
To preach a sermon, I
not the hardest part and yet what skill is
much moment
is
every part.
112
necessary to
hearers
to
make
let
irresistible
light
their
to
the
con-
sciences,
to
to convince
in
and clearly
objection,
to a stand,
to resolve
it
to drive sinners
is
no hope
condemned and to do all this, in respect of language and manner, as beseems our work, and yet
as is most suitable' to the capacities of our hearers.
This, and a great deal more that should be done in
every sermon, must surely be done with a great deal
So great a (rod, whose message we
of holy skill.
It
deliver, should be honored by our delivery of it.
from
Grod
message
the
in
a
case,
that
is a lamentable
of heaven, of everlasting moment to the souls of men,
we should behave ourselves so weakly, so unhandor
in
our
and
all this
Moreover, what
skill is
How many
so
much
skill
and
And
if
we
over us.
through weakness,
Yet that
is
how
but
who
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
113
own
verted, to their
the church
What
per-
skill is
the sense of
all this
of holy skill
and
may
Do
weakness.
if
we
tolerate
formance of
It is
it ?
sound divine.
know
must
as if
way
and
to bring
for,
and
God commanded us
to cause
you,
as this,
qualify us
tell
work
so high a
know
not
the Spirit
work
common measure
if
Will a
fications,
necessity
that
work?
ability, of
to neglect
us
in,
our
them
as
if it
were
us to knowledge by dreams
up
into heaven,
when we
and show us
are idling
men
we must
be ourselves.
114
time.
in these four
Take heed
your
own
to yourselves, lest
CHAPTER
II.
it
is
to
to
to take
heed to
home, and
others.
and therefore
to take
it
Preaching well
may
and
lives
but
it is
it is,
though
at least, possible,
impossible
it
prophesied in thy
own
less
name?"
to
to
whom
hearts
usual
Many
we not
he will answer,
How
warned them
to escape
are
God
now enduring it.
what
than for a man who made
be,
and
How many
have
against sinners,
who
from them.
in hell,
hell,
and
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
and
we
that
which
many
way
us the
tell
many
to
miss
mons
it
Alas,
we
heaven; that
should
to help others to
all to
should have so
spend so
115
that we
and
life,
after all
many
should study so
ser-
of salvation,
fall
into
it.
many sermons
him
while
And
all
of Christ, while
we
we
because
we
yet
resisted
we remained
state
and
we
neglected
it
of faith,
of repentance
in
an impenitent
and unconverted
preached so
of a heavenly
life,
and
while
If
we
title,
it,
brethren, (rod
men
is
no respecter of per-
If
you
others in,
oil
of grace, as well
trine
116
of the gospel
gospel
and stand
same
bar,
Take heed to yourselves, for you have a depraved nature, and sinful inclinations, as ivellas
others. If innocent Adam had need of heed, and lost
himself and us for want of it, how much more need
II.
much
preached ever so
against
it;
when we have
mind
the
will let
position
to more.
and design.
spark
nants of pride,
him
are
an
averseness
(rod
to
unreasonable,
And
much
doth
it
not,
Is so
was kindled
in
heed?
and almost unIn us there are, at the best, the remunbelief, selfishness, hypocrisy, and
first
cause a greater.
there
ruly passions.
the beginning of a
is
may
feet.
hearers,
strangeness to
all
he
You
us?
and
Are, there so
is it
many
traitors
your
little
children
weak, without
take heed of falling. And,
alas,
seem
How
ing upon
how weak
them
to
strongest.
call-
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
117
Adam, but
Minis-
sinners against
if
you
men
of so
much
posed
own
souls.
Take heed
to yourselves,
to greater temptations
If
you
He
gaged
Christ
him
to do
As he hateth
of us,
because he
is
the General
more than
all
kingdom
and
so great
hath been
may
way, that he
118
will follow
it
Take heed
as far as he is able.
the
You
have
enemy hath a
there-
upon
special eye
you.
shall
his
make you
when it is lost.
will
much
believe
You
multiplied or increased,
it is
hook nor
himself^ while he
line,
is offer-
make you
ments of ruin
and unfaithful
if
if
the instru-
what a conquest
to others.
he can
make
will
He
etousness or scandal.
will
what
them.
their preciseness
He
is,
and whither
curse
false surmise,
him
it
you
brings
on a
he
a minister lazy
and
to his face,
If
tell
what
will
he do
if
he should
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
prevail against us
much
And
at last
and
fession,
to do so
your enemy.
not afford
him
119
he will exult as
draw you
to be false
much
service to
much
sport
suffer
him
do
not to use
IV.
many
many
eyes
to observe
your
falls.
The
it.
eclipses of the
sun
As you take
yourselves for the 'lights of the churches, you may exIf other men
pect that men's eyes will be upon you.
by day are seldom without witnesses.
may
sin
And
of
it.
we
world
all,
and
gazing on us.
is
to sin wil-
you are as
lights set
upon a
hill,
think not to
lie hid.
120
to
make
where
the worst of
it is,
to
all,
aggravate
it
where they
then, should
we walk
before so
it,
find
and
How
many
it,
to di-
to
make
cautious-
ill-minded
observers.
was
not
man
much more may we
commit
man,
a small sin
;"
is
the
more knowledge.
2. Your sins have more hypocrisy in them than
other men's, by how much the more you have spoken
against them.
what a heinous thing is it in us,
to study how to disgrace sin to the utmost, and make
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
121
to it
and privately
make
ion
to
to
it
naught,
as you spoke, or
would you dissemblingly speak against it ? If you
did, why would you cherish it, and commit it ?
bear not that badge of a hypocritical Pharisee, " They
say, but do not."
Many
preached against
it,
sion of
Ref. Pastor.
122
make such
that
is
due
VI.
to
against
stir
entertain
all, to
it
it
in thy heart,
and give
it
the room
God.
Take heed
to yourselves,
Weaker
other men's.
man
gifts
life,
that
may
Smaller strength
trials.
But
is
if
you
try
if
you
if
you
will
engage your-
if
you
will undertake
come
off
work
as this.
You must
look to
conscience, than
you think
to
if
you had
lived a
common
It is
workman
may
be
seen
fit
life, if
for business of
work
also, that
such weight.
he
"We have
who have
And we have seen
weak
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
123
God
himself.
The heavy
his house,
were
was
Lord."
It
men
of " causing
the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme," which proto deal more sharply with David, than he
would otherwise have done. If you be indeed Christians, the glory of God will be dearer to you than your
Take heed, therefore, what you do against it,
lives.
as you would take heed what you do against your
"Would it not wound you to the heart to hear
lives.
voked God
the
that
a covetous priest, or a drunken these are they
preach for strictness when they themselves can live
;
condemn us by
their ser-
124
lives
withstanding
bad as we.
all
not-
men
and
sire
to
fear
the Lord
you should
Why,
if
suffer
and of
Would
all
it
all
that de-
reproach
your misconduct
for
is
is
scarcely a
man
or
woman
that seek-
ing of
your
it,
have
it
it
and lament
it.
much
they
children,
may
will
tell their
see
what comes
of all your
are
all alike.
them
that are
foolish, teachers of
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
babes"
if
125
doctrine,
And you
"Them
heaven,
Never did
man
God
dishonor to himself.
est
enough
to
wipe
it
ways
off
yourselves.
VIII.
all
Take heed
useth to qualify
them
ploys
men
for
of
Grod
it.
may
do
it
in others
He
it if
doubt whether he
will.
may
reasons which
to
who would
labors of
unsanctified men.
Can
1.
it
man's labors
be expected that
mean
God
isters
and do
make
all or
for his
honor
others
They
126
choose
it
with
intellects
kind of science
all
and because
and because
it
accompanied
is
it is
mind
men
and be-
mouth."
and
it
for these
do they preach
And can
be expected, that
it
men ?
It
own
reputation or
It is
and, therefore, no
can make
it
reach.
work,
fully in his
and
is
who
what he saith,
when he seemeth to be most
believeth not
diligent
likely to be as suc-
is
man
work
may have,
common faith or opinion
he may be actuated by a
is
true
or
and
fidelity of
a sound believer,
who
ultimately in-
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
127
vile
the
till
take heed of
felt
ness
are
sin, or
solicitations to
that never
life,
nor well
felt,
felt till
they
till
and he
that feeleth
feelingly of
feeling of
live,
much
What, can you love other men betCan you have pity on them,
ter than yourselves ?
who have no pity upon yourselves ? Brethren, do
you think they will be heartily diligent to save men
from hell, who are not heartily persuaded that there
for yourselves ?
is
a hell
or to bring
men
is a heaven ?
As Calvin saith on
"Neque enim aliorum salutem sedulo unquam curabit qui suam negligit ;" that is, he who
my
text,
life
to
Grod,
own
and
heart
128
damn
way
alone in the
to
damnation
he that,
like Judas,
will sell his master for silver, will not stick to make-
them
We may
on others, who
is
for the
saving of others.
who
never have
my
sin.
sell it to
confess, that
man
to
of h is own.
Do you think
3.
a servant to Satan
who
is
?
who
himself a
enemy
Now,
men, of whatever
devil
enemy
This
member
be.
his
himself
is
Will he be faithful
What
care-
who
is
it is
to Christ
shall
less
is
is it
to lead his
that hath
made
so
many
preachers of the
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
No wonder
faithful
holy
tise
129
if
life, if
to preach a
they cast reproaches on them that prac-
it.
church of Christ in
all
traitors
ages,
and godliness
field.
in the general,
with
all their
hypocrites.
who
company
If there
of enthusiasts or
was
a traitor
many now.
Satan,
It
make men
God
hearts are a
Alas,
of Christ,
if
among
there be
"whose god
is
his belly,
my
civilly,
ly a profession of religion?
He may
be as fast in
that
is
by an unsound heart,
sins.
Publicans
and misery.
And though many of these men
lent preachers, and may cry down
others, yet
it is all
commonly but
may seem
excel-
sin as loudly as
6*
who
130
own
wicked
man may
upon
easier rate
reformation
may
it,
own enjoyment
of
profits
doth.
zeal, resolution,
all
sin
traitorous
com-
may
make
as great a
men may
an affected fervency
it
with
them whom he
is
loveth,
is
very angry
so far
Hence
you may see, that an unsanctified man, who loveth
the enemy, is very unfit to be a leader in Christ's
army, and to draw others to renounce the world and
to
purpose, that
it
is
OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES.
131
them himself
as his
chief good.
It is
4.
not
mean
They
when they
They
they preach.
live as
as he speaks,
if
man
If one bid
believe himself.
mend
is
but in
no such danger as he
you run
is at
think that he
jest,
your
for
lives,
alleges.
tell
no
man
away
talk to pass
say somewhat
for their
is
any such
sin,
before
evil or
You
it
man
rather tempt
special good in
it,
them
men
to
you talk
of,
that reproacheth
it,
danger in
it
as
making
it
his delight.
themselves.
all to
must
As long
as
it
is
some
as glut-
may have
men have
eyes as
it
to believe their
ing
and
if
you
live
to
is
more perfect
a kind of preach-
a covetous or a careless
life,
you
132
If
you drink,
or
game,
or trifle
Neighbors, this
this course
If
you
is
the
may
it
life
as if you
you should
said to
live
all
in
them,
;
on
you are
in,
it
you preached
as if
to
How many
is
to
them
You
all
for the
boldly
do so as well as you.
this, for
them that
may
a faithful
What
much
love to frighten
men with
talk of damnation,
Such
when
and
live
talk of people,
indifferent with
them
in
your conversation.
For they
OVERSIG-HT OF OURSELVES.
take the pulpit to be but a stage
133
a place where
Is that
man
then likely to do
much
good, or
fit
words the
And
lie ?
if
to follow
it,
if
yourselves, if ever
5.
you mean
Take heed
to
it
hath
therefore to
do good to others.
men?
If
he do
where
ters
is
them
But
Nay, do you
abuse of (rod,
blast all
134
though
lie
may
bless
them
And what
to his chosen
to his
For
do
church by
servants.
PART
II.
CHAPTER
I.
Before
we
somewhat that
1.
its
It is
own
is
itself,
better.
we
shall notice
pastor,
his
own flock.
As
must have
its
own
have
its
" should
and
the Lord."
colors
Though
a minister
is
is
Christ's disciples
are over
an
them
officer in
in
the
136
When we
to his charge.
we
is
committed
commanded
we
;
shall
have opportunity
for
but, when we
we have restrained the exer-
have under-
we must
it
it,
2.
When we
the flock,
it is
are
commanded
to
take heed to
must
all
ordi-
narily be no greater than ive are capable of overseei?ig-, or " taking heed to."
Grod will not lay upon us
natural impossibilities
up
to the
all
souls under
the
number of
must not be
is
is
here
to leap
number
thousands of souls, as he
oversee
men
greater than he
required.
is
many
not able to
parishes or
know
or to
of so
that
137
draw
taking
happy
is
happy had
for
it
been
for the
if this
served
church, and
measure, that
still
been ob-
might
all
the flock
or that pastors
had
number of
that they might not have let the work be unwhile they assumed the empty titles, and un-
done,
And
dertook impossibilities.
many
even so
as
commend
should scarcely
were proportioned
have undertaken
to
all
to the
themselves.
But
it
may
To
this I
rule.
answer, blessed be
But
God
is
it is
so
and no
not government of
ing
If it is not,
government?
If
is,
is
it
by
138
mere preachers
when
unavoidably excluded,
is
it is
made
it ?
command an army
what
But
is it
and
to be his
what
if discipline in its
about government
stir
it.
it is
work
The
may as
command
alone,
w ell
nation, or county,
hundredth
man of
them,
perish.
Yet
still it
in case of
not to do
This
is
all
the case of
parishes than
to
we
which their
own
part, I
am
some
of us,
who have
greater
state
requireth.
so far
I profess,
for
my
would
all
the pastoral
my
I live,
work
had I
and, there-
fore, I
rather do
done because
what
cannot do
I can,
than leave
But cases
all.
139
all
un-
of unavoid-
the church
it
were
to the
so
we
which
is
shall
now
things,
recommended
in the text,
Take heed to
is,
member
that we
you
should
our charge
do not
for
how. can
what
we
We
every individual
must
if
we
labor to be acquaint-
our people
tion
To
know every
know them ?
of our charge.
dicted,
all
and that
it
140
heed
to
every individual
member
of their charge
who
Shepherd, that
like
left
him whom he
describes in the
was
in the
The
lost."
Ezekiel was
made a watchman over individuals and was commanded to say to the wicked, " Thou shalt surely
;
die."
:"
every man, in
man
Many
make
of Scripture
it
evident that
other passages
it is
our duty to
;
was the
this
shall quote
show that
by name
and many
but
"Let assem-
after all
You
see
it
am
to
object,
know them
individually.
all,
much more
impossible for
me
heed to
all
to take
14]
How
If
not, that
it
be not, you
it
to perform,
when
many
of your flock
seem hard
to
thing, that, if
it is
flock
know
me
that
it is
what
say will
an unquestionable
your duty to
rest to a
that
some, but to
it is
cannot so
ilies in
many
live
your parish
answer,
live
on
first,
less ?
Do
not
many fam-
Secondly,
Have not
some yet
living, as I
have heard,
who have
There are
offered the
if
if
you
you cannot
live so
142
Can your
soul
brethren,
it is
a miserable thing
hell,
when men
If
Remember
this,
the next
brought to knowledge,
tion
if
likely they
they had
might be
man by man
and
if
be done
flesh, I
my
them
told
is
family to a
Must
it is
little
want
turn to
world
much more,
a year
is
therefore, than a
all
hundred pounds
that
we have
are
143
go to
Or that
inhuman
it is
my
somewhat the
according to
God's ordinary
way
of
when,
working by
;
means,
I
How
Yea, more,
is
then use
If
God
it for
for
the church
And
to the
we
should
not
God more
if it
it
may
do
on himself, or wife
shall not
where
presume
to reprove his
expenses
but
justified.
And
must
is
not
so intolerable
to be.
If
144
God
It
fit
is
"
purpose.
you
for the
man's
life
may
if
is
wholesome
He
food.
may
live
But, while
to do
God
your
you
service, as
flesh.
on
it is
make
it
fullest satisfaction to
may
your
If
food be wholesome,
be as well supported by
patched coat
of
work
for
dainties.
all
the
flock,
in
We
I.
must
I shall
dwell a
labor, in a special
little
upon
it.
sion
we must
of the unconverted
to us
for
fall, it
and he
compassion.
so great, that
it
calieth loudest
which
will be pardoned,
others are.
it
as
their sins as
them to heaven,
them live ever so wickedly but the Spirit that is
within them will not suffer them to live wickedly,
But with the unconnor to sin as the ungodly do.
They " are in the gall of
verted it is far otherwise.
well as others, or that he will bring
let
bitterness,
145
We
eyes,
them who
He
are sanctified."
and
to light,
that they
may
among
man
more haste
to help
men
should
die,
in a state of
they are
confess, I
It is so
sad a case
am
if
they
that methinks
son.
damnation, wherein
let
we
in public
to do.
unconverted.
Who
is
degree of necessity,
seeth a
company
Methinks
woe.
how
or
damned
Methinks
speediest help.
for help
final
for
Many
a time have
known
that
if I told
and yet
them not
could not
THE REFORMED PASTOR.
146
find in
my
them
nor even to
much
as should otherwise be
giv^n to idolatry," so
paroxysms, to see so
it
many men
we
it
would more
upon them
Methinks,
down
effectually untie
set less
to hell for
want
if
by
He that will
let
him
to do
a sin-
less
faith
ner go
common
and
ren,
execution,
if
and ply
this great
it.
work
of
observations
we
cannot too
We
have no
have
known, were essentially defective in the grand and primary object
of the Christian ministry
laboring for the conversion of
souls.
From the general strain of some men's preaching, one
would almost be ready to conclude that there were no sinners in
earnestly
of ministers.
tion of attention
whom we
to particular classes
We
II.
who come
must be ready
to
147
especially
their situation
is
peculiarly pitiable
their opportuni-
their danger
is
not
only very great, but very imminent ; they are not secure from everSurely, then, the
lasting misery, even for a single moment.
unconverted demand by far the largest share of the Christian
minister's attention, and yet from many they receive but a very
that
it
among us
when
noticed at
This, no doubt,
is
all, is
noticed
a principal cause,
We
tance, that
we
trust
we
"It
is
borne with and commended. But when so many usually sit before us that must shortly die, and yet are unprepared for death
and that are condemned by the law of God, and must be pardoned or finally condemned ; that must be saved from their sins, that
they may be saved from everlasting misery I think it is time
for us to talk to them of such things as most concern them, and
that in such a
manner
as
may most
effectually convince,
awaken,
A man that
song or a dance
is ready to be drowned,
and a man that is ready
is
to
be hanged, methinks
US
Paul and
Silas,
should not find himself at leisure to hear a man show his wit and
if not his folly and malice, against a life of holi-
reading only,
ness.
But
alas,
how
often
have
we
is
called a sermon,
And
may more
plausibly
What is
show men
What
their
'
"
It
wicked,
is
Thou
art righteous
Such
him
'
He
injustice in
minister
preacher, but to be
is
149
known
is
What perfidious dealing is this against the holyWhat an abuse of our Redeemer, that his pretended messengers should make him seem to judge quite contrary to his
expressions.
God.
which indeed he
and will pass, on all that live and die unsanctified.
What vile deceit and cruelty against the souls of men are such
preachers guilty of. that would make them believe that all is
well with them, or that their state is safe or tolerable, till they
must find it otherwise to their everlasting woe. What shame,
what punishment can be too great for such a wretch, when the
neglect, and making light of Christ and his salvation, is the common road to hell and most men perish because they value not,
and use not the necessary means of their recovery ? For a man,
passeth,
what
tion
is this
more openly
of their
150
lawyer
so that
each
and the
man who
is
in
7 '
Children to Christ."
" Compassion," says he, u to the infinite need of our children,
servants, hearers,
labor, to raise
up a
You
parents
and masters can scarcely look about you in your houses, but you
must see a child or servant, if not several nor can you ministers
look from your pulpits, but you behold scores or hundreds of hearers, whose souls are grievously polluted by lusts
tormented by
devils
cursed and plagued by an angry God
standing upon the
very brink of eternity, under a sentence of divine condemnation,
without any certainty of a moment's reprieve from hell sus-
OVERSIG-HT OF THE FLOCK.
doubts and straits
may
Nicodemus came
151
him
for res-
and as it was
usual with the people of old to go to the priest, "whose
lips must keep knowledge, and at whose mouth they
must ask the law, because he is the messenger of the
Lord of hosts." But as the people have become unacquainted with this office of the ministry, and with
their own duty and necessity in this respect, it beolution
as
them with
longeth to us to acquaint
them publicly
to
come
to Christ,
to
us
for
and
it,
to press
pended over the lake of fire and brimstone, by the small thread of
life, and almost outwearied patience of God.
Hark, how
their need accosts us with an exceeding bitter cry, Have pity
on me,
my friends, for the hand of God toucheth me. I perish
Have pity on me, for my
I perish
I for ever, for ever perish.
and an angry God thrusts me down
sins sink me
devils drag me
to the lowest hell.
Ah, who shall dwell with devouring fire?
Who shall dwell with everlasting burnings ? Will no man no
parent, no master, no minister care for my soul ?
Ah, have
you no bowels no compassion for an immortal soul ? Pretend
you to be Christians, while so unlike Christ? Will you not
speak one word to me, or utter one groan to God for my eternal
salvation ?'
With awful dread let us look abroad into the world.
Of about a thousand millions of inhabitants of our globe, perhaps
nay, perhaps scarcely five millions have the gosscarcely ten
In our own country,
pel of salvation truly preached to them.
the bulk, particularly of the rising generation, through ignorance,
unconcern, pride, infidelity, and profaneness, appear pushing
themselves and one another headlong into the bottomless pit.
What can we be but beasts but devils, if we stand unconcerned
Hark how Jehovah bespeaks us
If thou forbear
at the sight ?
and
to deliver them who are drawn unto death,' eternal death,
if thou
those that are ready to be slain,' ready to be damned
doth not he that pondereth the
sayest, Behold, we knew it not
heart, consider it ? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he
know it ? And shall not he render to every man according to his
works?'" Editor.
human
'
152
We
by inviting them to come. What abundance of good might we do, could we but bring them
to this.
And doubtless much might be done in it, if
we did our duty. How few have I ever heard of,
ourselves,
who have
in this respect.
Oh,
it is
them
of
it.
To
it
carefully
for
when
word
life
One
or death.
III.
We
must study
to build
up
those
who
are
tians.
1.
young
;;
iveak,
most common
the
153
This, indeed,
Most
is
of
and
is
for Christians to
poseth us to danger,
it
be
weak
it
It
ex-
less
it
mak-
to bring
good to
all
about us.
so sad,
how
diligent should
we
be to cherish and
The strength
When
live
of Christians
is
by a
lively
working
faith,
and
vently,
and
to
set light
by the
profits
men
men
for their
win
and
yet
abstaining
from
the
appearthem to Christ,
ance of evil, and seasoning all their actions with a
sweet mixture of prudence, humility, zeal, and heavwhat an honor are such to their
enly-mindedness,
good,
becoming
all
things to
all
in order to
154
professions
is
from heaven,
if
they
saw
more such
them who
effects of it
may
be strong in the
Another
who
them
makes
many
such persons.
Some
are
mi ndedness
some
to sensual desires,
to all these
and others to
Now,
and
it
is
our
partly by
dissuasions,
the sin,
to a
We
works
of darkness
and must
wherever we
find
army
We must be no
more tender of the sins of the godly than of the ungodly, nor any more befriend them or favor them.
By how much more we love their persons, by so much
the more must we manifest it, by making opposition
it
155
to their sins.
upon
much
3.
his soul.
It
must
it
be.
scandalous
sin, or else
some
lost their
former
love.
As
is
come
our labor
is
taken so
much
much
It is
to this
all
whom
and
that,
all
when we have
hopes of them,
by those
God
should be so dishonored
for
whom
he
wounded
Besides, partial
vent
and would
effect
it, if
it.
Now, the more melancholy the case of such Chrisis, the more must we exert ourselves for their
tians
156
recovery.
We
taken in a
are over-
We
must
set again,
whatever pain
may
it
and see that they give such evidence of remake such full confession of their sin,
that some reparation be thereby made to the church
and their holy profession, for the wound they have
gospel,
pentance, and
Much
given to religion.
skill is
necessary
for restor-
The
last class
whom
I shall
partly to help
they
and
may
also to
and the
assist-
encourage them
All
the flock."
IV.
We
must have a
upon families,
and the duties of each
special eye
The life of religion, and the weland glory both of the church and of the state,
depend much on family government and duty. If we
relation performed.
fare
are
we
like to
gregation,
we
shall
undo
all.
What
if all
the
work be
cast on us alone
and
157
soul,
much
or very
hinder
it
whereas,
if
you could
what abundance
of good
1.
that you
is
ordered,
Go
2.
occasionally
likely to be
most
at leisure,
are
what he doth
Labor
to convince
duty
for
If
3.
the future.
you
find any,
own
them
and
God
in prayer,
when
158
ask an alms
to do better
come
from the bottom of the heart, and be varied according to our necessities and circumstances.
4.
If
self,
them
at night,
Direct
them how
to
how
been at church,
time
and
all,
Persuade the
ser-
of
what they
Get masters
of families to do their
duty, and they will not only spare you a great deal
of labor, but they will essentially promote the success of your labors.
If a captain
with
ders.
You
than
may
if all
officers
till
150
little religion
it is
much
it
is
not promoted
future increase.
We
of all our
life,
yet doth
it,
when we
see that
or hours
more
we
to
or
an
all
he
to compassion, to look
on
everlasting welfare,
infidel,
can
would not
Will
it
not
awaken us
space
Surely
They
will thus
it
to be
have oppor-
is
is
life
made by
to
come.
death, that
So
it
man
so near
it,
office of inferior
may
be ready
for
angels
it
When
160
man
there
is
brings
him
is
to
heaven or
hope, to help
And
time
hell, it is
him
if
we
while
for us,
can.
move us
to
embrace
Even the
affordeth.
their death-bed,
They
before.
who were
I find
not
my
parish, but
to die, will
hum-
seem
peni-
and promise,
if
their lives.
Oh,
is
Per-
haps you will say, that these forced changes are not
cordial,
of doing
common
for sinners to
good.
confess
it is
very
common
It
to be at
such a season
make
should
both them
and us the more diligent in the time of health, because true conversion at the hour of death
but yet
we
last,
is
so rare
in the use
is
then
possible.
But
for
men
you
in their last
161
worthy of your
as particularly
1.
Stay not
till
attention.
their strength
and understanding
know what
you scarcely
to do
is
is
no
principles of
having neglected
if
it
in
remaineth of their
possibility that
still
obtaining
it,
If they
recover,
their promises
G-o to
them purposely
to set
them home
to their con-
And
because
souls,
it is
sickness
is
move them
to
are
who
may
said to have
as a bishop of Colen
the
way
to be saved,
162
when he was
be,
last troubled
the gout."
We
VI.
it is
we
who
bring
ordinarily most
private, to
bow
if it
those
Before
most
it
them
see
what
it is
to dally
The
its
last part of
with
and make
sin; to let
them
I shall
more public
reproof,
prayer
penitent and
repentance
in
the offender
in excluding
the
in restoring
impenitent.
of a
invited to repentance.
because
we have made
practice of
"tell
it
This
it.
so little
conscience of the
to the church,"
all ;"
is
command
to
doubt whether
to
performance of
ashamed
to
considered
it.
and as
little is
163
there any-
what we
as
be
little
We
pline, so long as
we have
we have drawn
done.
little
think
has appointed
If
any
for
is
little
likelihood that
It
ill
becomes a creature
God
to
will rather
implead the
ordi-
instead of doing
it,
and
God can
their Maker.
own
nances of
how
own
ordi-
them.
(2.)
The usefulness
of discipline
is
apparent, in
What
all
the world.
will
is,
(4.)
not
The
for
164
It
worship pure.
2.
it for
church
is
must
ance
for
of
As the
communion with impeni-
bound
sin, it
and
also
to avoid
when
it
to be penitent with-
wards
Much
prudence, I confess,
such proceedings,
but
it
duties,
after-
we
lest
is
to be exercised in
when we
it is
for
we
In
make
appear that
it
may
it
be
show the people the commands of Crod, obliging us to do what we do, in some such words as the
meet
to
following
"Brethren, sin
the most holy Grod,
ners
make
of
torments of
it,
is
so hateful
how
an
evil in the
eyes of
punishment of
it;
and no
who
less
sacrifice
truly repent
it
all
and forsake
men to
it;
165
repentance, hath
'
it is
any
suffer sin
we
should
and that
17,
tell
him
our
if
may
we must
Tim. 5 20,
rebuke before
1
Tit.
authority,
15, yea, were
and rebuke with all
openly, he
sin
should
it an apostle of Christ that
all,
that others
fear, 1
must be reproved
openly,
as Paul
N. of
this
church,
of N.
sufficient
repentance; but to the grief of our hearts, we perceive no satisfactory result of our endeavors, but he
seemeth
still
to
166
wrong he hath
And we do
own soul,
ear-
that
when death
beseech him,
for
own
And
soul,
do
and
re-
less
condemnation."
To
should proceed
and
in
some
cases,
it
may
be necessary
particularly
by
its
it,
citing
evil
3.
With
we must
167
the offender.
but particularly
discipline,
if
congregation.
we beg
necessary that
for
him
ourselves, entreating
them
will
to consider
it
is
so blinded
in,
what
and to have
and hardened by
think what
it is
for
be
man
to
fore he be in hell
let
may
congregation
with us
is,
accordingly
and the
sinner's heart
for
prayers,
And
beyond remedy.
in
my
all
our exhortations.
of
prayer to
God
for the
we
shrink from
all
that
is
dangerous or
all
that
is
costly
168
or troublesome,
we cannot
should be effected
means
wrought upon, yet we cannot look that
;
the gospel
We
must
of the church.
offender to
by too much facility, so neither must we discourage him by too much severity.
make
light of discipline
for
to
We
is
in Christ Jesus.
We
We
salvation.
Christ in forgiving and in retaining the penitent peror, if he were cast out, in receiving him into
communion; and that they must never reproach
him with his sins, nor cast them in his teeth, but
son
their
Finally,
ery,
we must
and pray
for his
give
God thanks
vation.
5.
The
last
part of discipline
is
the excluding
169
sufficient trial,
called excommunication,
is
but that
crees, which are not to be confounded
to
practised
among
us,
commonly
be
which is most
is only to remove an impenitent sinner from our com;
munion
till
it
Lord
to give
him
re-
pentance.
Lord
to
name
is
au-
of the
to pro-
We
and manner of
it
re-
proach
it
necessity, or
we who have
so vilified
it
by our con-
we have mag-
170
nified
it ?
If hypocrisy be
no
the knowledge
sin, or if
then
we may be
but
very persons
evils,
unsay
nor to burn
and
for
it,
it,
lest
all
they
nor to recant
to practise
all
But
mean
confusion.
more
till
rieg-
all
if
these be great
lest
it.
hath amazed
me
to hear
some that
took for
know w hom
7
And when
I de-
me
they
if
ob-
him
much
more,
if
but
it
THE FLOCK.
OVEE.SIG-HT OF
in church guidance,
it
would be
171
ministry
and
to be
church,
is
it,
to
be against the
and
and
of the inference
free yourselves
CHAPTER
II.
sight,
lest
we
whole in general.
The
I.
ministerial
work must be
for God and the salvation of souls, not for any private ends of our own. A, wrong end makes all the
work bad, how good soever it may be in its own nature.
it
It is
in this as a
common work,
their worldly
livelihood,
to
will
if
it
is
is
a trade of
find that
it for
they have
Self-
he cannot do
study,
do
make
we
much
God an
is
it
Hard
if
172
The
II.
ministerial
work must be
carried on dili-
it
We are seeking
to set
up the kingdom
works
hand ?
to be
And
are these
Study hard,
your might.
But
for the
well
all
deep, and
is
especially be laborious
Let
" Neces-
is
laid
their blood
be required at
my
hand.
By
draw on myself
avoid
avoiding
a thou-
whereas, by present
The ministerial work must be carried on pruand orderly. Milk must go before strong meat
the foundation must be laid before we attempt to
raise the superstructure.
Children must not be dealt
with as men of full stature. Men must be brought
into a state of grace, before we can expect from them
the works of grace.
The work of conversion, and
repentance from dead works, and faith in Christ, must
III.
dently
be
first
"We
them
learned the
principles of religion
first
"We
for, as
Greg-
first letters,
and then
bles, etc.
pound
173
sylla-
first pro-
as the elements
and
so
we must
insist chiefly upon the greatest, most cerand most necessary truths, and be more seldom
and sparing upon the rest. If we can but teach
Christ to our people, we shall teach them all.
Get
them well to heaven, and they will have knowledge
enough.
The great and commonly acknowledged
truths of religion, are those that men must live upon,
and which are the great instruments of destroying
tain,
men's
sins,
therefore, ever
our eyes.
to
must,
known
We
To remember the
controversies.
God.
Many
and unprofitable
I confess
think necessity
we
If
we were
sufficient
we
for
every
and
and the
my
174
studies and
and
life.
and makes
manner, so far as
text,
Though
It
know
my
I
long.
It
sermon, both
I shall
read,
chooseth
my
matter and
for
my own
corruption.
why
what book
chooseth
tells
this,
man
yet I
know no reason
make sure of
should not
first,
Xenophon
which teacheth
all
other matters,
done
if
"Who can
of necessity
it
Doubtless
we
it is
lose not
be doing
profitable to others,
this
must be
the best
way
an hour when
most
Who
This
is
the
to
redeem
we spend
way to be
to be
the
as
necessary verities
common and obvious it is superfluwe waste our time and labor upon, and
complain that we attain them not." Ministers there" Necessaries are
ities
that
175
that they
manner, though
it
be in barbarous or unhandsome
tell
my studies
my teaching
surely, as I do in
I
should do in
vain
is false or
for
my own
And
edification,
It is
the matter
not,
who
so
is
it
with empty,
esteemed that
affect to be
to procure
that esteem.
He
must speak
to the
work
pretence of
17G
revealing
it
to be understood
may make
studied to
make
it
know
man
when he hath
not understood,
as plain as he can
but that a
man
and hide
his
eth to instruct,
the
is
way
to
way to make
make it as plain, and
known as we can it is
no better
unprepared mind.
It
it
plainly to others
if
mean
he
an
man
is
not
as plainly
prepared
for
it
by prerequisite truths.
some men cannot at present understand some truths, if you speak them as plainly aswords can express them
as the easiest rules in
grammar, most plainly taught, will not be understood by a child that is but learning his alphabet.
VI. The ministerial work must be carried on with
g-rcat humility.
We must carry ourselves meekly
For
know
that
own
our
to all
to be as ready to learn of
177
contradict them, as
if
we had
any way
men
Pride
men
is
in
a vice that
ill
such an humble
for
ourselves.
the
title
a proud
Methinks we should remember at least
of a minister, which, though the popish
that feedeth
all
indeed pride
It is
sins.
and few
all
non-proficiency of too
are too proud to learn.
another lesson.
say, but
reformation
many
all
Hence
lead,
also, is
the
when we come
would
to practise
all
of us can
them with
sinners
who
are
more ready
for
to spit in
how
off,
will the
under such
trials.
VII. There
sever-
and discipline
178
we have
in hand.
If
we
men
to the truth.
We must
VIII.
skill,
message of salvation
God,
in the
name
or
of the Redeemer.
It is
no easy
may
understand us
est hearts
may
feel
and so
and
us
contradicting cavillers
of our matter
ness.
We
selves,
and our
us
fit
to
spirits in
awaken
others.
such a plight as
If our
may make
by stony
heavenly things,
of
To speak
hearts.
is
them at all.
IX. The whole
slightly
felt
and coldly of
must be carried
must let them
see that nothing pleaseth us but what profiteth them
and that what doth them good, doth us good and
that nothing troubleth us more than their hurt. We
must feel toward our people, as a father toward his
children
yea, the tenderest love of a mother must
on in tender love
to
of our ministry
our people.
We
We
Christ be formed in
179
in birth,
till
see that
we
life,
down our
lives for
as
count our
When
We will
Most men
him
that gives
it
it
a fair
hearing.
that
But
Christ,
or that
he
may
be loved.
Take heed,
than
is
for
loved,
therefore, that
ISO
and end
of love.
sins of
for that
if
And
enemies.
with love
think not
all
We
sharpness inconsistent
whom
he receiveth."
patience.
injuries
We
from those
whom we
pose themselves,
if (3rod,
who
will
He
is
we must
unworthy
not, therefore,
be driven
We
who
to
be a phy-
away from
a frenetic
XL
181
All our
as beseemeth
if
is
mind
that
much
is
To mani-
God,
is
to manifest
tongue.
know
not
how
it is
but
little.
not stark
make
Of
lies
all
it
worketh
that speaks
tickling levity,
of the
name
of God.
when we draw
near
him
name
we
pro-
in vain.
182
if
manner is
Our evidence
they were
common
matters.
spiritual,
much
sway.
Great scholars in
Aristotle's school
in their master,
of glorying too
and "
kingdom of
least in the
As wise a man
as
him
is
Let
way
know
are so confident
much
guide in the
for their
They that
take
to heaven.
all
pare none of
It is the sign of a
distempered
For there
is,
regenerate him.
all
The word
is
is
made
believers,
it
If
183
much
success.
As
it is
God seldom
whose heart
blesseth
is
set
bag than
to his
salaries
much
for
what
to think, if
their
who
preach for
fied
till
what
When
rejoiced
man
is
for.
who
He
is indif-
not grieved
when he can
even
ever
man
when he preacheth
he may seem to do
physician
is
Christ,
it.
No
how
excellently so-
wise or charitable
to see
still
teaching,
184
but both of them would rather be weary of the employment. I know that a faithful minister may have
when he wants
comfort
is
success,
Israel
is
comfort, because he
I
say
only for
is
grieved
that
if
they miss
we must
Nor
it.
desire,
we miss
is
the rest.
What
if
may
God
profitable people,
them.
Were
it
much
my
pect that
else,
was
my
spend
them; and
my
how
among
though
fitter for
to
it
continue
patience,
case,
scarcely
my
somewhere
might be
place that
and
life
and strength
to
Him who
sends us
185
Must
and
life
send
prevail
own
If
we
God
shall never
When
our
out of order,
if
we
we
help them,
God
make but
are like to
to
mend and
unsuccessful
work.
of our
minister, let
me
cessary to us, as
work
and that
is
we
this
is
ne-
same
of
we
We
to the pros-
must be
sensible
how
needful this
is
oversee.
common
members of our
flock, and the further enlargement of the kingdom of
Christ.
And therefore ministers must smart when
cause, the good of the particular
the church
is
wounded, and be
so far
16G
Day and
work
it
as a
to prevent
not
them.
They must,
it
only entertain an
when
it flieth
from
new
engines to rack
obvi-
who
stand them.
And we must
of controversies,
where the
difference lieth,
our brethren,
adversaries,
OVERSIGHT OF THE FLOCK.
hold
187
Had
differing parties at
plot-
hinder the
CHAPTER
III.
which we are
now
proceed to lay
before
I shall confine
I.
us, is
The
first
myself
to this oversight;
to those contained in
my
text.
OVERSEERS of
and here
it.
we are
188
1.
heed
The nature
To be a bishop
What
an
bow
to
but
men
consider
it is
up as
to be the
know
they
know
men
not the
Do
not what.
live in ease
overseers
these
we
else are
for
to take their
more
much work
when
doth
lie
quickly
fall.
i\.nd
Had you
what
a world of
man
it
But
or
be,
woman to
to do.
teach,
if
it
prove.
But
to
difficult
What
180
what work
will
it
have to reason
with men that have almost lost the use of reason, and
to argue with them that neither understand thembrethren, what a world of wickselves nor you.
edness have we to contend with in one soul, and what
And when you think you
a number of these worlds.
find us.
a pitiful
life is it,
to
for
Moreover,
how
is
in themselves,
how
easily will
how
and new company without a new heart.
deceived
are
change,
many, after some considerable
by the profits and honors of the world, and are again
entangled by their former lusts. How many do but
ions
change a disgraceful
that
is less
way
of flesh-pleasing for a
dishonorable, and
way
190
tellects, greedily
them under
ed to
and confident
name
the
of truth
and
is
present-
like chick-
away by
them
work is
over
of
there before us
may
but
how
you work.
find
you
if
neglect them
minister,
Let
us, then, be
necessary a work.
If
what we can
we
for if
we cannot do
neglect
it,
all
all, let
woe
to us,
us do
and
we
Should
to
pass
put
off Grod
and
man
Consider that
with such a
shell
and
vizor,
our
all this
work
is laid
upon you.
church.
age you
to the labor.
And
a great honor
it is
to
be
191
and
fill
to
we much
seats,
man's cottage,
to teach
to heaven
who
or
all.
of their
men
office.
If
when
there are so
many thousand
who
and more,
poor sinners in
it
that cry for help, and they are neither able nor willing
to
engage
conversion
and
them
not follow
;
the
work
of a parish,
when
the honor
is
but the
Is it
titles
they lose
4.
it.
many
other excel-
192
you
to the work.
If
office, to
encourage
men's
nothing
to
than
much
others
and
to be
delightful knowledge,
when
furnished with so
Is
this.
when
be brought up to learning,
Is it
nothing to con-
rious things,
when
others
to
be continually
to
we may
an
But
it.
We may
of
do
God and
praise,
and
Our employment
Whether we be alone or
in
is
for
another world.
to this
work
OVERSIGHT OF THE FLOCK.
what
a blessed, joyful
life
should
we
193
then
How
live.
many
all
silent,
these,
to
we
have so
please
ministry, bespeak
work.
5.
and he that
then "it
is
Be true
man
But
be found
to him,
Do you
all this.
What
are
Is it for
you
to
your persons, or
for
other
194
men, but
for his
angels
Is
work and
your
your neighbors
people's sakes
Are you
flesh
much
as they
service.
for
who hath
II.
delivered you.
It is
in the text is
drawn from
made us
comes us
to take
men
heed
to
it
be-
it.
eral respects
by qualifying them
by
fittest
men
them
to a
very often.
of
man
is
rial office,
of
more absolute
by the hands
God
an
office,
shall be,
it.
None
of these can be
undone
or
made
195
unnecessary,
men
sent, to install
What an
call to the
heaven,
tles
were
them solemnly
in this office.
work.
is
it
not to be disobeyed.
called
by Christ from
upon
us,
by our
If our
left
When
the apos-
friends
heavenly vision."
to the
immediate
or extraordinary, yet
it is
call is not so
Spirit.
is
It is
the Church of
God
chiefly upheld,
which
is
sanctified
by the
196
it ?
overlook
them
ren,
let
this
that
Grod forbid
You
and put
off
we
we
duties,
own
for-
Christ's spouse
church of
Were you
my
eth
men
them
looking after
And
your
remember
and
say,
especially if
among them
go,
;
Christ walk*
and see
his presence,
They
are " a
show
is
And
will
to be
Him
But
to be the
this is such
to diligence
and
IY.
text, is
church which
apostle,
fidelity in so noble
an employment.
we
oversee:
"Which
his
in
my
for
the
own
blood."
197
their duty
"
tors,
if
it.
keeping
how
glass,
my
If
it,
my
What, brethren,
charge ?"
shed
care
for
them who
You may
shall
we
de-
we think it was
worthy of our utmost
Shall
are not
say here, It
is
not a
little
As much
of.
crime
as in
whenever we
Did
I die for
them
feel ourselves
Did
earth,
village, to seek
them
to
to the
?
blood,
but
it is
How
next door, or
small
willing to
is
street, or
debased myself
was
careless
make
much
Have
and
thy hands
198
it
make
so light,
thyself?
of
my
to be saved.by it
plead us to damnation.
PART
III.
APPLICATION.
CHAPTER
I.
this
God
humble us
much
for
our past
sin.
He
If
first
may
Indeed,
out of
little
them a few
while
yet our
is
too
penitential tears
own
and
all
Alas,
too
how
200
we
we
them an example
set
of hard-heartedness, while
we
much to affect
we do those of our
hearers, it would not be with many of us as it is.
It
is a great deal too little that we do for their humiliation
but I fear it is much less that some of us do
for our own.
Too many do somewhat for other
them.
0,
if
own
hearts, as
men's
souls,
own
souls of their
matter, as
They
work lay
to regard.
if
carry the
so
in calling for
in crying
sin,
theirs in preaching
But we
down
it.
own
himself
down
fessed his
own
Daniel con-
if we
how imperfectly we
think,
not
demur upon
cause of humiliation.
condemn myself
we need
whether we have
the
question,
I
must needs
in saying
it,
say,
that he
though
who
readeth
life
with
it,
fly for
refuge to
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
201
you do
am
judgment
in
down
tion, as
heads
lesson,
Is it not
sin.
it,
there
is
our
the
more ado
to
It is a
many
but
it is
sadder
of us
still, if
we
till
our
own
own
reproofs.
And
that
it is
sins,
not a causeless
I shall call to
and
set
your
them
in
may
just
iquity."
forgive them,
In this I suppose
am
in
the
bill
of indictment.
For
how can
202
before
God
whose
guiltless,
him
If I
ple, it is
The great
fall
into mischief."
we
sins that
are guilty
is
shall not
of, I
my
passing
it.
is
it.
how many
had
it is
one of
congregations,are
now
plainly
now
How
How many
in a county, in
able,
men
faithful
are there
graciously hath
God prospered
little
the studies of
children in the
now
How many
they
miles
OUfL DEFICIENCIES.
203
souls.
I bless the
many
erly fellowship of so
able,
humble,
faithful,
absolutely prelatical,
but
for
all
if I
that rejoice.
knew my
What, not
men
Should
men
rejoice at the
do
differ
shut
The
my
souls of
204
They had a
a corrupted ministry
to settle
and when
cannot
we must
we
stay
and then,
their abuse,
under heaven.
and heresies
managed by an
able self-denying
shame them
all.
say, This
is
To
this I answer,
it
is
much
open the
for
many
may
less to
frailties
for his
admirable
many
do accompany them
One
of our
This
pride.
is
the best of us
but which
is
much
sins is
interest in
some
of us, that
it
it
it
It fills
designs
who
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
205
what
panion,
a tyrannical
subtle insinuating
men
with
chooseth
fashion.
enemy
is
goes
It
it
mand
if it
were not
for the
com-
of this tyrant.
or the worst.
How
work.
oft
doth
it
sit
and,
as if a prince
were
to be
decked in
fool.
may dim
light
it
It per-
the
it
If
we have
we
are able to
and superfluity.
men
all
life
of
rough-
all,
we
are
and condemneth
206
commands
And when
made
pride hath
it
the sermon,
it
it
goes
ani-
sum
of all
is this, it
and preaching,
to seek themselves
When
selves.
how
and
In short, the
in studying
What
God
shall I say,
and do
most good ? it makes them ask, What shall I say,
and how shall I deliver it, to be thought a learned,
shall I say
it,
to please
me
When
the sermon
is
by
best,
all
that hear
home
know
Were
it
not for
how
dations.
of,
If
but
if
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
207
mon men,
prize they
had
But even
may
in view.
this is not
that ever
be.
all,
if
worse
it
isters,
before them, as
that
them
is
if all
given to another
Is not
mem-
to
self a part in
may
his
own?
felicity
is
gifts, as
own ends
well as by
Will
mon
is
Christ.
this heinous
They can
way
of their
own
and what
208
liars
lest
and by malicious intimations, raising suswhere they cannot fasten accusations. And
some go so far, that they are unwilling that any one
who is abler than themselves should come into their
pulpits, lest they should be more applauded than
themselves. A fearful thing it is, that any man who
hath the least of the fear of God, should so envy God's
generals,
picions
many
many
preachers,
which have
we can
scarcely,
places, get
me
tion
is
unfounded as
that
it
pride of
to the
most
but
Nay,
tell
a sad case
so great is the
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
209
the burden
all
them
bear,
Hence
own
also
opinions,
down papal
we were
all
that
we have
It is true,
to say so
we
pretend
it is
infallible.
many
infallibility, too
is for
we
expect
men
should yield
is
for valid
to,
;
and
but as
ours, so
;
and
if
we
are exceedingly
backward
we
to see it ourselves,
it
should
210
away
it;
name
for
all
them
feel
others, that
If,
therefore,
errors
as sensibly as if
selves,
and
weak arguing
you consider
is
it
a sign of a
weak man.
false reasonings,
so their
it
it
as
if
names must be
must defend
all their
we
are
spirits,
the manner.
that
when
be-
it
We
love the
and
of the matter
man who
will say as
we
and be of our opinion, and promote our reputathough, in other respects, he be less worthy of
But he is ungrateful to us who contraour esteem.
dicteth us, and differeth from us, and dealeth plainly
with us as to our miscarriages, and telleth us of our
say,
tion,
Especially in the
faults.
management
is
of our public
upon
us,
we
ing.
many
of us think all
men
But
con-
temn us
we
say,
pable mistakes.
We
man can
OUE, DEFICIENCIES.
scarcely touch us but
minded, that a
and skilled in
ing,
scarcely tell
we
man who
how
is
211
are hurt
and
so high-
to handle us,
and
can
our expecta-
fit
some word
some neglect which our high spirits will fasten on,
and take as injurious to our honor.
I confess I have often wondered that this most
heinous sin should be made so light of, and thought
so consistent with a holy frame of heart and life, when
far less sins are, by ourselves, proclaimed to be so
damnable in our people. And I have wondered more
to see the difference between godly preachers and
tions at every turn, without there being
or
When we
speak to
we
disgrace
sin
them
we can
as plainly as
to the utmost,
speak, and
And most
and many gross
fully.
tell
and lay
them
it
on
of their
all patiently,
but take
commend
it
all
thank-
patiently,
the closest
preachers most, and will say that they care not for
hearing a
man
tell
them
plainly of their
sins.
if
drown
take
it
all
as almost
Brethren,
all this
should
an insufferable injury.
212
the view of
But
all.
we
print our
to the
when
ploth so
is
it
call
Some
much
prevail.
be hid,
evil
at least so openly in
it,
alas, it is
We
Could the
it.
whom
so great a sin
it
beseech every
search of his
man
own
and
But
heart.
if all
and
be graceless that
are guilty of any, or of most of the fore mentioned discoveries of pride, the
ters of this land,
Lord be merciful
to the minis-
spirit
for grace is
supposed
to be.
Yet
volve
all
it
must needs
mean
to in-
To
among us who
it
we have some
spoken,
all
good men, and even in the eyes of the ungodly themthat the rest of us were but such.
selves.
alas, this is
But
all of us.
may
little
with
Brethren,
my own
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
heart and yours, that
and be reformed
we may
213
Is it not that
wherein Satan's
to be tolerated in
as
we
are
his
kingdom
us
a Christian
ture.
It is
it is
All
who
will be Christians
must be
and
him
"
meek
.the lesson which he teacheth them is, to be
how many precepts and admirable
and lowly."
Christ's disciples, and "
come
to learn ;"
to
still?
people,
for
our society
How many
who would
we have
And must it
that
Is
it
to
be proud of?
Is
Alas,
it
what
of our
is it
body?
of our graces
them, the
much
less
of
so
it
214
Is it of our
a great absurdity to be proud of it.
knowledge and learning? Why, if we have any
knowledge at all, we must know how much reason
we have to be humble and if we know more than
others, we must know more reason than others to be
humble. How little is it that the most learned
know in comparison of that of which they are ignoTo now that things are past your reach, and
rant.
is
know how
to
However, do not
And will you be
Our
excel you ?
to our people,
is it
that
we
should be
We
tise
least
a sad case
is it,
easily discerned
by us
it
at
is
a self-condemning man.
What
more
it
in themselves.
among
us, that
but
many who
is
not
are most
in others,
must be the
rulers,
for
and bear
the
or
fit
to teach
them.
it,
it
in themselves.
my own
it
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
215
while
we
possess
it
we
of pride while
not, or to
indulge in
Have
it.
many
not
of
to ourselves, that
come humble
we cannot
be saved unless
drunkenness or fornication
and humility
man may
as certainly, and
hell, in the
way
we
be-
as neces-
is
Truly, brethren,
more
slyly,
make
haste to
and seeming zeal for a holy life, as in a way of drunkenness and filth iness.
For what is holiness, but a
living to God
and what is a damnable state, but a
living to ourselves ?
And doth any one live more to
himself, or less to God, than the proud man ?
And
may not pride make a preacher study and pray and
preach, and live to himself, even when he seemeth to
;
It
is
not the
work
God, but
I confess I feel
for ourselves.
soon miscarry.
man
for
for Christ, I
myself,
should
entice a
than
not
do not watch,
and write
what
if I
it,
such con-
to selfishness,
work
of the ministry, to
216
godliness.
When
reward."
empty
all for
learning and
proud did
lie
is
what
a fine thing
is it
to
have the
we
say,
and yielding up
affections.
What
a noble thing
what
to
man
is
it
to be cried
in the country
up
to
be
combined
with such inducements, will serve to make you join
yourselves with the forwardest in promoting the
Alas, brethren, a
cellences.
little
grace,
Nay, pride
may
do
it
therefore be jealous of
without any special grace.
yourselves, and amidst all your studies be sure to
" He that exalte th himself shall be
study humility.
commonly observe
shall be ex-
whether good
the humble.
So
itself,
far,
and love
own
deformity,
We
it
often
OUR, DEFICIENCIES.
II.
We
217
men
Lord, as beseemeth
work
of the
many
who do this work with all their might. But alas,
how imperfectly and how negligently do the most,
even of those that we take for godly ministers, go
gagements.
I bless
How
ourselves in our
as
few of us do so behave
men
thereto,
sinful negligence.
1. If we were duly devoted
would not be so negligent in our
is
fitting
as an
we
Few men
our work,
to
studies.
now and
them
for
delight in
then an hour,
are forced to
fulfil,
and are glad when they are from under the yoke.
Will neither the natural desire of knowledge, nor the
consciousness of our great ignorance and weakness,
none of
will
studies,
Ref. Pastor.
10
218
so
many
we should
matters that
not be unacquaint-
ed with.
naked
truths,
and
made
Certainly,
men
are not
If
we were duly
it
would
men
manner
as
may make
make
it is
It
company
would
of dead,
will esteem
it
what
little
good
it
yet
the people
doth
And
It
excellent doctrine
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
219
hands
want
and
of close
they have
lively application
for
of
set
it
how
make
it
what
0, brethren,
we
when
how
how
plainly,
deliver a
ours,
the everlasting
is
little
they
they would
or will not do
closely,
how
it.
earnestly
should
our fellow-men
if
for
matter
fit
life
involved in
or everlasting death of
Methinks we are
it.
yet
is
there nothing
In the
may
name
of Grod, breth-
awaken the
Remember, they must be awaken-
hearts of sinners.
you
be
fit
to
It is
to
out
much
affection
and fervency.
them with-
The manner,
as
If we are
well as the words, must set them forth.
commanded, " Whatsoever our hand findeth to do, to
do
it
with
all
our might.
such men.
But
It is
alas,
how few
in
number are
among
we
find one
who has an
earnest.
220
persuasive, powerful
way
feel
when
then
it,
lift
as
serious-
it
should
up your
voice,
or careless
or hell
You cannot
them a smooth
Men
tale, or
away
to
true, he
may
that
is
to
make
way
is
manner
of preaching,
is
a great point.
The best
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
matter will scarcely move them, unless
221
it
be movingly
delivered.
man
like
few are moved with any thing that he says. Let us,
up ourselves to the work of the Lord,
and speak to our people as for their lives, and save
therefore, rouse
them
must
them not by
As we
we must
and that we
make
see
them
eyes.
sermon
soever
it
be composed, while
it
may
even
full of
theirs.
222
of our endeavors be to
communicate the
fullest light
tions, as
in the
word
of Grod.
fore be so furnished
with
all
before
them
we may come
We
should there-
as with a torrent
upon
their under-
shame upon
all
all
may
be forced
we are
why do we not
3.
If
us,
our
own
to their assistance,
work
of Grod,
congregations around
and then
work
places,
of conversion, delivered
any
leave.
purposely for
by the most
lively,
means
III.
We
are wanting.
regard
TEREST of Christ.
This
I shall
IN-
manifest in three
instances
1.
The temporizing
of ministers.
would not
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
suit themselves to the party
which
is
223
most
likely to
promote their ends. If they look for secular advantages, they suit themselves to the secular power; if
for popular applause, they suit themselves to the
church party that is most in credit. This, alas, is
an epidemical malady. In Constantine's days, how
In Constantius' days
prevalent were the orthodox.
they almost
all
Indeed,
president in so
many
fell,
how
could
men?
it
Were
not for
it
ters, in all
almost
all,
most
all
of the
Greek
all,
in credit
among
is
all
or
and
Among
profession;
Papists; in
all
But
224
common
sort of ministers
Not
all,
And
most.
the
same
it
still
our reward.
2.
and shrink
own
for their
it
When we
private business.
their care.
And
how commonly
especially,
our estates.
for
example, that
dare not, that will not, set up the exercise of discipline in their churches, because
them
it
may
their dues?
hinder the
They
will not
them
in their estates.
I find
men
money
is
too strong
to answer, that
all evil,"
to
them but
for
it
some
to be
more
an argument
this: If it
I will at
was
present say no
so deadly a sin in
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
Simon Magus
money, what
to offer to
is it
buy the
225
gift of
God with
and the
men
souls of
for
much
terest of Christ
words of
piety.
If
men
them
to.
When
it
is
seek their good, they will the more easily trust you.
And when
good to
to us,
it is
and not
a small matter to do
this will but
win them
make them
willing,
may
them.
profit
think that
it
is
is
expected
226
enough
It is not
your talents, go
man: others
But what extraordinary
service?
be devoted to Grod.
We
know
them
them
To
little
at present,
beggars.
is,
this I answer,
"He
made a pretence
for
when
the apostle
common
themselves
house that
as
is
his
stock,
if
mother
or daughter,
speaketh
relieve
able to do
would have
it is
present
when he
them, and
let
bids
"them
that have
widows
know
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
must begin
are bound
care
You
at
home, but
to do the best
most serviceable
it
227
may
there.
to educate
be capable of being
them
rich,
make
ly to
There must
we make
and
itself
all
that
it
way
of expense
is
way
it would take.
would put no man upon extremes. But in this
case, flesh and blood doth make even good men so
partial, that they take their duties, and duties of
we might
see
If worldly
when
a pub-
us
give us
we must have
men's competency
we may
easily
know.
It will tell
a competency,
is
but
little
not a competency.
A man
tal
228
And he
that preacheth
self-
them
to
whom
he preacheth,
if
he
all
they have.
0, brethren,
before us,
hands.
than
we have but
;
if
we cannot answer
the expecta-
what we can
to
we
rance of foolish
men."
Those ministers especially, that have larger incomes, must be larger in doing good. I will give
but one instance at this time There are some ministers who have a hundred and fifty, two hundred, or
three hundred pounds a year of salary, and have so
:
and leave almost all the rest undone, to the everlasting danger or damnation of multitudes, rather than
maintain one or two
dilisrent
men
to assist
them.
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
Or
if
man who
not one
that will
which
is
so necessary.
is
faithfully
is
it
229
instruc-
fuller
such
men
should fear
lest,
is?
Methinks
the turn, while you never look more after them, but
and
which
many
own
flesh
souls?
oppressors,
How
can
when you
How
you withhold
withholding.
It is
it is
unobserved and
all
for that
lasting good.
sin is
not odious
have
The
is
is
sin,
than
230
And now,
what
and lamentable
and
up themselves,
all
blessed
and
inter-
own
salva-
tion."
We
IV.
Though
and peace,
against
it,
or,
yet
at least,
is
it
common
not
I scarce-
to
Nay, commonly
it
bringeth a
man
some heresy
under sus-
or abating his
As
if
And
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
way, by employing
own
many
his
cinians, in writing so
hath brought
it
to pass, that
ed, as if
for
enemy of peace
whoever maketh motion
the
it
unhappy Soand
agents, the
231
an indulgence
to his
own
We
all this
without apparent
and the
is
church government.
keeps us at odds,
and forward
might.
for
heartily willing
know they
men of
it
way
for
manag-
232
done?
be
not done.
It is
spoken,
it
it is
not done.
shame
it
flatter
And
they
and talk
for
it,
all
confess the
it,
and neglect
it,
sit still
if it
so far
can
from following
for
it,
that
many
it,
and doing
snarl at
it,
all
they possibly
as if all zeal
for holiness,
and as
yet
cord
it
is
to concord
sies are
them.
We
servants of
is
God
lip,
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
233
mutual
we
have, on the
and drowned
jealousies,
holy love in bitter contentions, and studied to disgrace and undermine one another, and to increase
our own parties by right or wrong. We, that were
wont
now turned
mark
it
into
common, that
cerity of
many
it
may
but yet
it is
certain
mark of a
how few are
there
opinion.
A pious Prelatical man can reverently
scorn and slander a Presbyterian, and a Presbyterian
an Independent, and an Independent both. And,
what
is
the worst of
take notice of
all,
the
common
ignorant people
so
234
it is
To intend well
rarity.
Who
sit
and hold
still
men undone by
my
heart,
his tongue,
own
is
ill
any men on
no
earth,
destruction,
and interests?
knows
this is the
in doing
can, in reverence to
several parties
But
is
thing effected.
if I
know
it
that as
myself
am
another, as such,
person: but
if I
much
against any
less in spleen
durst in conscience,
them
would have
offence
whom
much
honor.
life ?
interest,
I
and his
of this,
had
where,
I bless
it
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
235
my own charge,
is
We may
but
we
for all
men
to
The
agree upon,
if
And many
strappado.
tate
them
live,
apostolical simplicity.
we
Papist's faith
is
too large
they enforced
it
not with
fire,
much
antipapists do too
imi-
confessions,
When we
and not
till
then, shall
we
return
would therefore
recommend to all my brethren, as the most necessary
thing to the peace of Zion, that you unite in necessary
truths, and bear with one another in things that may
be borne with and do not make a larger creed, and
more necessaries, than God hath done. To this end,
let me entreat you to attend to the following things
1. Lay not too great a stress upon controverted opinions, which have godly men and especially whole
to the
2.
Lay
3.
re-
some
Lay
merely verbal.
Of which
sort are
far
more that
236
make
great
noise
in
the
world,
to believe.
of faith
all
subscribe the
So he
may
own
answer,
brains shall
and while you make a snare to catch hereinstead of a test for Christian communion, you
contrive
tics,
To which
and the
heretic,
by the
slipperi-
tender Christian
may
possibly be ensnared.
like to
close to the
And by
have new
words of Scrip-
ture.
He
am
when God
all this
and
this
that I
modera-
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
age however come,
Scripture.
237
we
the churches.
workmen
it,
to be done, the
is
Y.
We
church
discipline.
If there be
how many
It
were well
if all
prayed
many
fact,
for
men who
but few
puting
for
way, some
for the
Congregational.
practice of
agreed
it,
And
for
some
for the
Episcopal
when we come
yet,
aught
most of us are
me wonder
for
see,
we
no way.
are
It
to
the
perfectly
hath made
make them
so
zealous in
238
But
are there in
not their
own
members
of
a disputing zeal
I see
it
who
tell
him
to call
are the
ise of reformation,
is
and prom-
to such repentance.
do their duty,
if
when
is
per
it
persons themselves
them
stated
grant
and
and
members
in the
call
ally
be no duties,
meantime we leave
* * and
of our churches,
If these
why
do
we
of the word.
was
stricter,
If they be
Many
of
The an-
when the
"who-
soever
was
its
We have
particular
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
239
must be
for
How
not
it
noise about?
How
tray
way
truly
is
it
we
we
I fear
to
while
it,
Truly,
to
be good
we even
that
be-
Speak
it.
among
it
to be toothless,
as they expected
it,
because they
to
them
come
to be
because
by
it is
shall then
it,
a friend to
them
to
in their ungodliness,
Set
it,
all
it,
we
and he will
the execution
doubt
it
it
was
if
many
it
and
draw
so contended far,
How
name
of ref-
when
of disci-
240
pline
in
yours?
All
without them.
and thereDiscipline
is
many
will keep
if
upon
their heads.
Consider,
is
ready to
pray you,
if
you
them
Redeemer's
love,
name
munion ?
Why should
would
your com-
of a sacrament
will
men
of different views.
If
your principles be
is,
your
way
to be a
mere delusive
formality, because
OUE, DEFICIENCIES.
241
tell
it is
;
of a government.
I desire
season
fit
Would you
But
will
it
forbear sermons
never be
and sacra-
How many
it
when
Besides the
few
be seriously considered
1.
How
sad a sign do
we make
to be in our
it
duty.
And
we
any known
all
our days?
this sign,
shall
what man
them
as well as
you?
2.
We
unfaithfulness, in the
experience.
Kef. Pastor.
It
was
work
and
of Christ.
sloth, if not
speak from
me
so
long
242
It
is
indeed a troublesome
some
and
self-denial,
because
it
wicked.
to as well as you.
souls,
by making those
while they
make
which
4.
by God's ordinance
is
so tolerated
We
and
it
may
is
no more
for holiness
make them
believe that
For
if
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
holy are
all
243
fold,
have spoken with some members of the separated churches, who were moderate men, and have
argued with them against separation and they have
us.
it,
must be used by
all
find
it
for it
and they
till
them
again.
confess I
was
withdraw from
us.
It is not
members
of our
churches.
6.
We
God upon
ourselves and
proved, on the
same ground,
we may
be re-
244
And what
now
much contended ?
so
for
The great
is,
to incur
sinner, but
malice.
against us.
with
we
If
If
we
proceed
mad
will be raging
all
gation, there
would be no
should be so hated of
all,
among them
living
we
would be
for
men would
not hear us
when they
are pos-
for
the non-execution
Now,
Are not these reasons as valid against Christianity itself, especially in some times and places, as
1.
peace on earth
we
shall
Christ
have
came not
to
send
world's
OUR DEFICIENCIES.
us hated, and
flames
who
tian,
life,
for
worldly
it
He
it
is
hateth not
him
245
all
own
loss as a
"What
is
up none but
safe
the
common way
Indeed, this
is
other infidels.
why
did
taken
men
enter upon
it
it
as a
is so
carnally under-
of ease
life
and honor
them
As
it,
for
their work.
is
of doing
as valid against
wicked
men
God
which
own
If
may
am
do good to
to
many whom
the excommunicated
at least sure
it is
God's means,
246
and
it is
his last
means.
perverse to
It is therefore
we
all
frustrated before.
heaven and
for superiority,
like
But yet
3.
let
difficulties in the
me
tell
which
it
such as
it is
may
I confess, if I
is
discipline
I bless
have made of
experience that
of
way, nor
it
God
such a useless
for the
myself.
small trial
can speak by
had
my
will, that
man
should be
is
ejected as a
for
ruling
as
preaching.
I shall
we
should
now prove
is
all
all
humble our
Is this
Is
OUE. DEFICIENCIES.
how
symptom would
sad a
the church.
may
it
Believe
just indignation.
of
be to ourselves and to
by various adversaries
of the land.
it
it,
us,
we may
may show
247
If
perceive that
us to take our
we have been
so
with us, and that the voice that called this nation to
He that
let
ance proclaimed in so
many
repent-
admirable deliverances
if
it
will be a sad
What,
we deny
we
God by humble
shall
call
our
Is it not better to
248
when we
confess them.
confession, that
them
It is
our dishonor.
is
We
have committed
and
There
shame.
is
no
way
our honor which our sin hath made, but by free confession
and humiliation.
fession of
my own
sins
I durst not
and
if
but
make
con-
what
peril.
But
humble ministers of
CHAPTER
II.
is
namely,
And because
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
this is the chief business of the day, I
to insist
249
it.
to
persuade you
duty
Shall answer some objections which
may be made
I shall state to
to this
to
it
and then
SECTION
I.
for
performing
it.
I shall
proceed to state to
',
performance of
Article
I.
When
work.
it.
I look before
makes
my
if
well man-
aged,
is
joy.
likely to effect,
it
own
consciences
may
rejoice
in,
day
long, as
to
we
humble
And though
it is
our business
it
so
ready to turn
it
into a
day of
11*
rejoicing.
I bless
the
250
Lord that
have lived
to be present at so
such a day as
to see
and
this,
It is
management
It is not a
new
And
because
when you
from
it,
that
so pregnant
to result
it,
with
enumerate some of
we may hope
may
it is
I will
it,
you
by
loath,
destroy
welcome
to
him
That
life.
I shall
1.
this
work
is
particularly.
it
As
to
the
matter of
it
It
is
;:
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
As
to the
manner
of
it
It will
ference,
251
be by private con-
opportunity to set
all
two parts
of
Now,
in this work,
we have
For the
must needs
it
sum of Christianity
And though bare words, not
make no change, yet, when the words
memory.
understood, will
is far more
than
meaning
and
matter
understand the
another.
Besides,
we
shall
catechism
and
to insist
we
speak to
far
to explain it to
conjoined
plication
how
them as we go along
on those particulars which the persons
These two
have most need to hear.
and
plain ex-
of
either of
alone.
Moreover
we
when we can
to
do them good,
mon
If
any thing
in the world
They
it is this.
who understand
far
will under-
not a ser-
252
application of
to
it
themselves.
know where
it is
that Satan
them
to the point,
of this,
we could
than our own
men
purposely on
What more
experience
proof need
we
but
they go
dom of
of this work.
neighbors'
If,
souls,
managing
many
souls,
from everlasting
If
as in birth
till
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
You
people.
will
253
as
your
and inexcusable
to be idle.
If you have a spark of
compassion in you, it will surely seem
worth your utmost labor to save so many souls from
Christian
If,
and
God.
And what
crown of rejoicing?
hope, or joy,- or
is
your
Is it not
your
your joy."
2.
up
It will essentially
of those
who
of them in
the faith.
or at least
much
proper order.
It
hindereth
How
it, if
we do
while the
or
it
not in the
The second order of Christian truths have such a dependence upon the first, that they can never be
well learned till the first are learned.
This makes
many
labor so
much
in vain
but never come to the knowledge of the truth, because they would read before they learn to spell, or
to
know
their
letters.
This makes so
many
fall
254
away
tion,
mental principles of
religion.
fundamen-
It is these
tals that
actuate
all their
graces,
and animate
all their
duties
is
these that
will find
it
worth
of a catechism.
If,
therefore,
you would
words
safely edify
It will
them
all
When you
better un-
have instructed
They
you say.
when they
are
way
to
whereas, without
this,
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
255
Besides,
to further instruction.
when
we
doubts to us.
to open their
knows not
By means
5.
of
it,
we
shall
come
to be better
state,
and
so
the better
know wherein
them most
to
lament
pray
for
himself,
of his
against.
for
We
shall the
them with
what temptations
We
them, and
to
guard
know how
them.
must know
own
to hear.
to be "jealous over
his
own
to
for
others should
6.
our
Though,
to
come
to
him
account of their
therefore he
supper
yet,
may
at
may
do
it
of that examination
of
fit-
256
common
duty
member
each
of their
fit
seasons,
this course
we
way
way
that
more effectual
is unexceptionable, and in a
than by some partial examination of them before
they are admitted to the Lord's
table.
show men the true nature of the minisand awaken them to the better considera-
It will
7.
terial office,
tion of
men
far
it,
than
is
now
It is too
usual.
work
common
of the ministry
is
for
nothing
By
this
means
many
my
calling,
how
little
they do
pulpit
is,
It
own
by
and
for
to
how
little
purpose
much
of their labor
this neglect.
of people
and
they consider
it
if
we may judge by
men
their practice,
common
others.
grown
so
and a
it,
common among
in
it
is
and
pious
abated by their
be guilty
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
of
it
257
Never doth
it hath
sin so reign in
gained reputation,
or,
at least,
when
no disgrace to the
is
But
make no
many
eonvince
work
them
as that
is
and
as truly their
may awaken
many
to be.
it
and follow
it
diligently
it
silently,
when
oversight of
may
am
live to
all
them that
are guilty of
it,
is
likely
much
the better of
them
Now,
the
any of
practice
these.
for
words.
The truth
church in
this
we have been
is,
respect,
the Papists,
who
confession
for, in
bring
led to
wrong the
258
tiousness,
to be
Germany.
enough
is like
strict
who were
against
men
in crying
clergy.
confession
is
Romish
it
we
the
down
is
no
will
common
less culpable, if
purgatory.
If
all
the flock
is
another busi-
If a
man
no duty, he
is
like to neglect
it,
and
to be impeni-
It will
consequently to discharge
it
our sakes
in
it.
but their
am
own
This,
better.
if it
is
indeed,
were only
much
for
concerned
to their salvation,
it is
and
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
259
and
what is their own duty towards him. They commonly think, that a minister hath no more to do with,
them, but to preach to them, and visit them in sickness, and administer the ordinances
and that, if
is,
any more at
their hands.
the minister
is
his school, to
in particular
in the
and that
all
Christians,
ordinarily,
all
They consider
is
course to
him
own
safety, to
and
have personal
for increase of
and
knowledge
for direction in
;
re-
and
duty,
be
still
know their
when they are
flock.
If our
desired, to be instructed,
come to us,
and to give an account of their knowledge, faith, and
and they would come of their own accord,
life
;
and
for,
What
shall
260
matter
now
come
is
them
and
if
he
may
as well ask by
or prayeth, or
is
but
for
our
authority
do
And what
it.
is
it
brethren,
to
custom
It is
who
we,
are to
to
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
2G1
it
And
mon
if
we can but
prevail to
make
submit
it be, if
to
it
What
than now.
you might
this
all
ages to
come
to the
work
9.
it is
now usual
the
way
It will
for
Our
easily
their salvation, as
duty as com-
much more
should
in course
and help
them
to
for
come
diligence in this
to accomplish this.
may
be
It is
many thousand
souls,
souls, that, in
and
to the
and
still
must say
it,
that this
it,
a great part of
famine reigns in most cities and large towns throughout the land, even where they are insensible of it,
Alas,
we
see
us
here
a family and
there a family,
we
and there
and
our
262
we were
we
ever so fain,
that
relief, so
to
Yet
if
we
if
them, and to open plainly to them their sin and danger, there
them
lic
work must be
many
with
both at once
And
as
it is
if
eat or sleep
it
we
of very
we
of
many
of them.
So that
much
much
as
we deal
we are
some
when we
weakened bodies
all,
to speak to one
we must
stand by
as speak to
them
lieves
an everlasting joy
for
to en-
little
should
perish,
pro-
at once.
of
But
more; and
by
many
to
or
An
that be-
an answer.
I will give
are together
work.
were
Before
full,
we
to set apart
two
so that
any man
may
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
263
see that
that
upon the public work of preaching with small preparation, and so must deliver the
message of God so rawly and confusedly, and unanswerably to its dignity and the need of men's souls,
that it is a great trouble to our minds to consider it,
and a greater trouble to us when we are doing it.
And yet it must be so there is no remedy unless
we will omit this personal instruction, we must needs
run thus unpreparedly into the pulpit. And to omit
necessitated to run
week
for this
work,
it
will be as
much
as
we
shall
and do
it
we
and,
how small
which
is
a matter
week
is it
to
we
do
it,
to deal with.
hav-
And,
man only
we must be
speak to a
Yet are we
in hope of
So that while
we
are
264
hoping
for opportunities to
speak to them,
we hear
fore
we
to prepare
them
for their
them
personally
change.
who
first
It is
we
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
shall willingly
2G5
we have
we
evil
of.
live.
When we
will,
their children
let them see that they have no time to spare for such
things and thus, when they are engaged in so much
;
it
all
followeth thereupon
it
will be
which usually
Let us
and
why may
not
we
as well as he
of our work,
Ref. Pastor.
do so
part,
find to
266
way
if
we
of voluptuousness, or
can.
fits to ourselves.
corruptions, and to
It will afford
graces.
much peace
to our consciences,
when
and comfort us
do
viewed.
To be much
may
and heavenly-mindedness,
them
in ourselves.
will do
it,
much
come
do
much
to
it,
to excite
sin of others,
shame us out
to over-
of our own,
holiness, will do
inclinations, both
much
to
overcome our
fleshly
di-
version,
their old
employment.
monks
much
in the
work
of mortification as this
we
It will
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
we
room
267
for
minds and
much wrangling and contention between ministers and people. For we do that which,
we need not and should not, because we will not fall
diligently to do that which we need and should.
15. And then for the extent of the foresaid beneso
it
will cure
The design
fits.
saving of
we
all
of the
work
is,
man
For
be instructed
extensive than
Sure
labors.
we have
am,
most
it is
and
every man,
life to
if
he will accept
men
it
to be saved,
by believing.
and to come
to the
becometh us
make
then
willing
surely
it
men, and
to
son.
And
268
and closely
and misery
purposely-appointed work we
home
and mercy, as in
are
more
this
set plainly
men
of sin
likely to do.
is
likely to be a
bility of
it,
to a considerable extent,
when
it is
done
And
it
and
to see all
England
so seriously called
upon and
importuned
heaven.
make our
many
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
men
269
even see
all
Methinks
to
embrace
may facilitate
to this
day?
13. Of so great weight and excellency is the duty
which we are now recommending, that the chief part
of church-reformation that
is
behind, as to means,
it
and it must be the chief means to
answer the judgments, the mercies, the prayers, the
consisteth in
and without
the ends
a reformanever be wroughtthe church
done
nation
of
all
still
much
still
all,
guilt.
and
may
contend
for Christ
who
and
have none of
little
dreamed
270
him
and
how
it is
all beis,
and
of a salvation without
dream
and without self-denial, and renouncing the world, and parting with their sins, and without any holiness, or any great pains and labor of their
flesh-displeasing,
own
in subserviency to Christ
so did too
many
and the
Spirit
men
Even
talk
and
and would
little
have presumed to
tell
them
man who
should
proved
and whence
that good
men
is all
should no better
is
plain
know themselves ?
mended without
Holy Ghost should again descend
miraculously, or every sermon should convert its
thousands, or that some angel from heaven or some
things besides themselves should be
them
or that the
all things, or
that the
little
must be wrought by
their
own
diligence
and
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
unwearied
271
labors,
instructions,
thoughts, that
mercy
all
them
tion
must be
to heaven.
attained, perhaps
it.
is far
a reforma-
And
yet I
know that
we
while
we come
but'when
must lay our hands to the
;
is
the sincer-
ity
before.
Reformation
to the Jews.
for
is,
to
many
was
him
him
body of
their nation.
shall suddenly
come
"
to his temple,
whom
may
stand
when he appeareth
ye delight
For he
in.
But who
and who
is like
shall
a refiner's
272
fire,
and
and
purifier of silver
and he shall
and he
them
sit
as a refiner
liberty
They thought
before.
liness
go to
under
their feet,
how many
Article
the work.
reasons,
If these
difficul-
confess
is far
otherwise
for difficulties
must
excite
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
And
selves
difficulties
we
shall find
273
many, both
doubt of them,
1.
Let
me
pass
I shall
it
them over
in a
room
to
few words.
In ourselves there
so that
in our-
is
much
Mere
our powers.
all
hands of many.
make us
and
let
men
let
them go
perish lest
we
we
should
make
must be
Many
plainly to them.
to begin
We
which
are less
We
ashamed
we
we
of shameful works.
we
are
This distemper
makes us backward
we
ill-will.
diligently resisted.
drawn by our
work of Christ,
All
We
weak
are so
,
12*
274
pediment of
set
if
Hence
all.
man
upon a
for his
it is,
that
when we
conversion with
all
should
our might,
them
is
so feeble that
it
hell,
life
lively.
We
much
do, if not
more.
awaken us
gence, that
we may
I will
in the people.
Many
of
them
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
taught
and scorn
to
come
275
we deal
wisely with them in public and private, and study,
by the
force of reason
love, to con-
Many
encourage them.
When
is
it
a
so
if
plain,
heart
thing of naught!
If therefore
life
or death as a
work by
fool-
work that
likest to itself,
be accomplished.
and
276
all
In short,
again.
all
III.
cause
shall give
you only a
brief hint of
some
I intended, I
of the general
is
work on
foot in all
people to consent to
it,
it.
For what
0, brethren,
if
which
will
man would
we
could set
it
skilfully
way
of
life,
and
of God,
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
277
number
oreth them, in
new
Jerusalem,
when
it
shall descend
from
the saints,
and the
is
and
is
to give
he
is
is
doubly
up himself wholly
to that work.
It is
make any further question of our obligation, when we know that this work is needful to our
people's conversion and salvation, and that we are in
general commanded to do all that is needful to those
ends, as far as we are able.
"Whether the unconvertneedless to
among
us.
And whether
this be
is
not doubted
a means, and a
278
careless, as if they
my part, I
can
and next
my
For
gospel.
chief studies
my
and yet
meet with
I frequently
my hearers
of those
who know
how
few are there who know the nature of that faith, repentance, and holiness which it requireth, or at least,
who know their own hearts. But most of them have
an ungrounded trust in Christ, hoping that he will
pardon, justify, and save them, while the world hath
And this
their hearts, and they live to the flesh.
trust they take for justifying faith.
have found
persons,
who have
preaching.
know
may
we may
do
it
them
much
to
understand
more.
but
we
but in private
run
In public
their understandings
confounded and at a
loss,
we
we may.
quite over-
to follow us,
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
279
not what
how
ises before
do.
we
not be sufficient
means
ence,
to convert
and
purpose,
if
This duty
people.
Grod's
assure us.
2.
may
to little
this duty.
you
we cannot
for help
There
is
them
calling to
them
at a
much
Can
280
him
You
?"
how
you
you
that
is
in
him
God
will pity
sin-
ner
prevent
it
not
what a heart
"What shall
man ?
for surely, if
is
it
is it
I call
an
Can you
men
tell
tainly be
repent,
danger
do this
And
much
if
is
is
to them
you not
will
to perdition, while
your
reclaiming them.
he
infidel;
sick,
when even
Brethren,
is bound to help them.
you heard sinners cry after you in the streets,
" 0, sir, have pity on me, and afford me your advice
I know
I am afraid of the everlasting wrath of God
I must shortly leave this world, and I am afraid lest
I shall be miserable in the next;" could you deny your
every neighbor
what
if
What
if
for help,
they came to
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
go
away
till
wrath of God
281
am
confident you
Why, alas, such persons are less miserable than they who will not cry for help.
It is the
hardened sinner who cares not for your help, that
most needeth it and he that hath not so much life
as to feel that he is dead, nor so much light as to see
his danger, nor so much sense left as to pity himself,
could not.
whom
for help,
we should be tormented
you have the hearts of men,
pity us.
Now, do that for them that you would do
if they followed you with such expostulations.
O
how can you walk and talk and be merry with such
people, when you know their case ?
Methinks, when
you look them in the face, and think how they must
poor wretches, pity us, lest
if
exhortations.
will
not
When you
wound your
visit
them
in their sickness,
them ready to
depart into misery before you have ever dealt seriously with them for their conversion ? O then, for
it
hearts to see
the Lord's sake, and for the sake of poor souls, have
pity on them,
pains that
may
and
bestir yourselves,
and spare no
282
3.
This duty
is
necessary to your
This
own
welfare, as
is
gence and
fidelity,
fidelity.
If,
there-
threatening
to
at thy hand?'
''
is
am
near
afraid, nay, I
when
have no doubt,
their charge
but
flock,
when, besides
all
many
souls to
answer
for.
an unfaithful pastor as
die
we must, and
to any.
that there
is
and
it is
as terrible
When we
no remedy
see that
that no
we
Christ
I
spared not
then
my
pains
I lived
;
I hid
not
recovery."
0,
sirs, let
my
way
talent
of their
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
we have
283
to ourselves.
the faith
henceforth there
of righteousness,
shall give unto
me
in that day."
If
you would be
Article IV. Application of these motives. Havmany and so powerful reasons to move
us to this work, I shall now apply them further for
ing found so
What
cause have
we have
gospel so
instruction
and conference
for the
saving of men's
If
284
man
corrupt heart in
is
but
if
the
command
us, and the same miserable objects of comand the same liberty from governors as now
we have. We have sinned, and have no just excuse
for our sin
and the sin is so great, because the duty
is so great, that we should be afraid of pleading any
excuse.
The God of mercy forgive us, and all the
passion,
would cover
all
we may
when
stand before
not be condemned
guilt of
him
in peace,
and
for
may
And
them
for
not care as
of
men
little for
us as
we have done
we
for
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
istry,
and
285
to set apart
may
not think
enough
it
lament
to
own
and
God may not abhor our solemn national humiliations, because they are managed by unhumbled
guides and that we may first prevail with him for
that
we may
beg
be the
fitter to
for
And
that
we may
and
dung
of our
idleness, lest
God'
mend
we have
And now,
hitherto
2.
we
feel a
felt.
brethren,
what have we
to do for
is
great
the
hinderers are
laborers are
many
the
few
souls of
great,
is
the
men
and
are precious
is
greater
the comfort
the joys
of a faith-
of extensive suc-
To be fellow-workers
har-
the joy
The
loiterers
no
little
honor
to sub-
of Christ
to guide
dangerous wilderness
them
to steer the
286
already
we
the
We
have carelessly
present time
are trifling,
men
awaken us
all this to
is
are dying
to our
loitered
how
And
duty
is
while
they
fast are
there nothing in
nothing
to resolve
Can we
man
think that a
under
long
too
away
posting
all
man
nation, who
that
is
himself so blind
or for the
quickening
What, breth-
to set
you on work,
to
show
to prove
to be his will
it
or to prove to
move you
happy church,
if
if
damnation
we had
not too
much
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
287
of that infidelity
a change would
make
it
private course of
we
in our sermons,
what
life.
souls,
what
and in our
a miserable thing
is to
own
daily preach,
it
men must
man
what
talk of
felt
the weight of
would amaze a
think what matters we preach and
to
it
It
is for
of.
require.
know
my
not
what
am ashamed
my
and wonder
and other's
souls, as one that looks for the great day of the
Lord and that I can have room for almost any
and that such astonishing
other thoughts or words
part I
of
stupidity,
how
how
my own
my
mind.
marvel
and
and that do
can
let
men
288
sake, to repent,
it
and whatever
it,
my conscience
seldom come
smiteth
me
that
case.
It
accuseth
me
much
not so
for
want of orna-
is
jest
How
canst thou
tell
much
is
and death?"
life
Truly, this
shall
we
and yet
my drowsy soul
what a thing
awakened.
is
fit
a senseless,
hardened heart.
infidelity
my ears,
is
or else
how
do that on our
own
souls
it ?
there
am
is
my
between
life
to
come
seemed
know
face,
so great
yet
my
ever
now, which
will do so again
when
me
that
daily
the
ap-
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
proaching hour
289
0, brethren,
if
as to your ministerial
and you would have something
within you that would frequently ask you such quesdiligence and fidelity
life,
tions as these:
sinners
them
Is
death
thee
What
word
to prevent
that
them one
serious
it ?
my
ears,
I confess,
What
it
to
my
one that
is
shame, that
left
the body
There
is
one
Rf. Pastor.
THE REFORMED PASTOR.
290
can
I give of it ?
brethren,
is it
a small matter
you to answer such questions as these ? It mayseem so now, but the hour is coming when it will not
If our hearts condemn us, G-od is greater
seem so.
than our hearts, and will condemn us much more
to
God
them with a
now seem
clearer light
We
seeth them.
motes,
if
God
but
is
souls,
these
your
to
molehills.
What
seeth.
it,
or bear its
we may
a consuming
fire."
for
is
like
how many
against us and
tell
you of
demnation that
particularly
when
is
our God
condemn
to
befall negligent
pastors,
up
will
be
ready to
us, if
we
shall hereafter be
rise
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
voted
them
to thy service,
291
it,
Our
universities where we
lived,
and condemn us
for
up
and
in
why was
schools and
we
judgment against
us,
all
all this,
but
for the
work of God ?
Our learning and knowledge and ministerial gifts
for to what end were we made
will condemn us
partakers of these, but for the work of (rod?
;
whom
Christ died.
and condemn us
for
God
all
the
up against us
vain.
all
and
the ex-
of the faithful
tell
us of our duty,
292
and furniture
for
we have
work out
people to
not
all
these helps
in vain.
we
their
trembling
life,
for if it so
nearly concern
vation, doth
them,
it
them
not concern us
who have
the charge of
and unwearied
Is it
in
worth their
labor
danger of a natural
set
state,
torments of
ful
hell, yea,
up
in
to themselves,
"Did
I tell
nation.
suade other
men
to
we have
such duties
preached to per-
as
neighbors to
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
293
way
to
heaven
we may
to the
work.
All the witness that
we have
have spoken
all
we
bad as they,
it
will
And though we
imitate them.
respecter
sins,
and, as
we
we
condemn us
if
should not be so
we
all
removal,
them.
All the judgments that
God
condemn us
idle
trils
if
we
be unfaithful.
idle
and sensual
cast
them out
pulpits,
and
and
of their habitations,
laid
we be
them by
294
alive,
land
warnings
diligence,
to do
it.
you had
Would you have
if
if
prove
demnation
be.
will rise
who
of
up
in
for
which have of
a reformation,
work.
our
sin,
it.
This, I confess,
that
Was
it
is
so
heavy an aggravation of
makes me ready
to tremble to think
how
we have done?
Before
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
295
other occasions.
And
did
it
would not be at the pains of catechizing and instructing our people personally, nor exercise any considerable part of discipline at all
think of
it.
What
It astonishes
a depth of deceit
is
me
to
the heart of
brought to public confession and repentance, or avoided as impenitent, they would scorn and spurn at
all
this,
little
this
296
as
it
and
run on
let all
did before.
which
and
for
have heard
discipline.
salvation
for
discipline
itself.
up
setting
of discipline
And
What,
is
the
kingdom
as
if
Yea,
in his
office
for
"the kingdom of
Christ,
was
It
it
as if the
setting
up
of
it
of Christ
things indifferent?
If the Grod of heaven,
who knew
and
cries,
on one of our
You
What
deceitful-hearted sinners!
this, to
weary me
assembly:
hypocrisy
for that
is
which you
church according to
my word ?
Yet
these,
come
to find
it
my
which are
when you
When
reformation.
And when
me
all
to grant
is
you
liberty for
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
it
297
to
of his,
they prove?
And would we
us our
"Though
all
men
not I?"
frailty.
We
that
we had
bitterly,
and
to
do
no more as
upon
us,
so
far
though
I
forsaken,
it
Truly, brethren,
if I
did not
13*
298
my
life
put
my
your thoughts of
hand
it
to;
and
are as mine,
appear.
wrought, when
we
we
is
And now,
work
brethren, the
doth
all
it
is
before you.
In
consist.
Others have
now
how great a
matter lies upon your hands, and how many will be
wronged by your failing of your duty, and how much
comes in yours.
You may
easily see
labor be
own
your
and
own
if
perish.
flesh,
but
let
But
if
them
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
SECTION
I shall
may
II.
made
be
299
to the practice
mending.
Objection
1.
We
them,
to teach
man by man,
besides ?
am
won-
daily forced to
to speak.
many
to private
Nay,
meetings are
struction of
them
in private, they
seem
to
understand
fore.
Objection
2.
much
time, that a
man
his studies.
to
improve our
own
yOO
Answer
to this
1.
We
suppose those
whom we
persuade
it
And
to others.
is
not to be pre-
communication of the fundamental principles of religion. I highly value common knowledge, and would not encourage any to set
ferred before this needful
by
light
but
it;
left
undone.
It is a
in a city
if
he would
cir-
when
them
give
perish,
them
and
tell
advice, because he
posterous student,
who
but a
civil
man
as a
preferred the
kind of murderer.
most pre-
means
before
should think
Men's souls
him
may
be
God works
causation
what
freewill
is
whether (rod
way
have
of
sci-
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
301
be saving souls.
ledge?
2.
will,
If
by
way
of diligent practice,
obtain the
intensive
so
you
with
to far deeper
God
he
methinks
knowledge
is
above
me
have
for
my
quite out of
all
reach,"
the other
ledge of
never
said, so I
must
shortly see.
For
my
me
the
part, I con-
ceive, that
more things
if
you
302
common
though
less
or
curious,
necessary things.
Perhaps
we have done,
make men much abler
it
He
and divine
too,
while that
man
preparing
for
and will
it,
shall prove
let
under pretence of
ability to help
how
to
and save
them.
chief, I
ments
away
consume
it
trifle
a minute.
all
not
your
might, and then see whether you have not compeIf you set apart
tent time for these other pursuits.
but two days in a week to this great work, you may
some time
find
for
common
four.
many
tion for
men
Though
my
to
weakness deprive
me
of
my
eight parts of
time to provide
fair propor-
for
abundance of
up six, if not
God
can find
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
303
Now,
ordinary work
mean
try
half days a
if
week
work
of the minis-
is to
is
know
is
to
its
we
if
could
would throw
know
Objection
3.
But
this
course
my
or
duty.
will destroy
our
and
it
will
and morose
the
bow
that
breaking at
is
but as
to others, so
last.
way; nor
for its
lion in
304
who would
Yea, or
ever have
been a Christian?
We may
2.
take time
for
is
necessary recreation,
An
work.
to this
as
hour, or half an
much
recreation as
is
have reason to
know somewhat
Though
by long experience.
and
years,
much
my
many
for
exercise as almost
of this
have
my preservation
for it as
my
pres-
ervation,
like to
do not
so
though
it is
for
commend
any exercise at
much
exercise as
is
necessary
requireth; otherwise
we
But
this
On
all
week
that
you
may
in be
work
be done,
done
too.
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
305
fit
them
for their
self-denial, before
they preach
it
ures?
all this to
must you needs have your pleasyou must, then for shame give over the
withstanding
If
this,
as
"you sow
to
corruption."
bring
it
when
into
but
subjection
have preached to
a castaway."
And have
I,
keep under
;
lest
my
body, and
that by any
others, I
means
myself should be
we
still
What,
we pamper our
and give them their desires in unnecessary
more need
bodies,
pleasure,
to do so?
shall
his body,
and
306
bring
Must Paul do
into subjection?
it
this lest,
he should be a castaway;
when
man
it is
of use to
fit
to be so far in love
the sake of
them
us
But
our work.
for
with
for
to
tion, yea,
him
of Christian
church, for
away."
communion, than
we
look to be
are
Recreations
for
a student
must be
necessary to his
to turn
specially
must
is
The
3.
likely
much
labor in
to
is
It is true, it
not
must
men
ment
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
"What have
4.
them out
to lay
for,
but to burn?
and
is it
not
we
307
God?
What
but
for,
made
Burned and wasted we must be,
for
fitter it
a candle
is
men
should be in lighting
to
How
flesh?
difference is there
little
both at an end
What
comfort will
between the
when they
life,
it
are
be to you at
by shortening
liveth much.
Our life is to be esteemed according to the ends and
works of it, and not according to the mere duration.
your work
Will
it
He
life
much,
that works
life
spent
unfaithfully?
5.
As
for visits of
mere
civility,
if
they be of
may
preaching
for
for
them, you
may
may
you
forbear
be
lords,
But
if it
be otherwise,
or knights, or gentlemen;
must they be
God?
of Christ.
He
that
308
And
hath
to do
with
He
my
it.
as oft as
have done,
consider
little
what he
my
improving
his time.
it.
time according to
and man-pleasing,
in flesh-pleasing
life
I will
not thank
wonder
I profess I
him
if
he value
at those ministers
who
bowl,
who can hunt,
two
three hours,
use the
an hour together
whole days together that can
or shoot, or
like recreations
or
yea,
or
sit
mental
and journeys
visits,
men
them cry
souls around
no
respite,
to
such ends,
(rood
when
many
think on,
so
for help,
diligence, night
and day?
Brethren,
If
smallest
all their
you have no
And
precious time
soon will
my
life
it
how
be gone
swiftly doth
!
What
Were
it
pass
away how
;
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
a month, methinks
Have we
a day.
how
the work of
come
to a
man
dying
call.
it,
we can
Never do
worth of time.
buy
for
is
again,
it
309
If they could
but
And
yet
afford, to trifle it
to allow our-
men
are
bound
to.
May
raging, take
is
life,
men's
souls.
a physician,
is
when
life
many
so
and death ?
lives,
still
when
the plague
or recreation
less
than
are expecting
As
his pleasure
is
yours worth
side, all
advantages to sur-
and on the other seeking to fire it with granadoes, which they are throwing in continually, I
pray you tell me, if some men undertake, as their
prise
it,
office, to
watch the
may
ports,
fire
that
will
310
Do
saying,
who can
bear
?"
it
For
is
a hard
your mercy
it is
and you are well, if you know when you are well, as
show you in answering the next objection.
I shall
Objection
4.
it is
required of
If
and perform
we
should thus
tie
ourselves to
make
our lives
God doth
save them
terial
not require
?
Is this
compassion
me
to
make myself
a drudge to
Or
is
it
or of rebellion
vail
with you
will
It is all
to
deny obedience
to
acknowledged
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
311
me
pleaseth
or
whether
it
it
crite to
I will
please me.
make
not believe
It is the
it
you that
to be
it
wilfully
my
it is
duty,
character of a hypo-
ends and
and
felicity,
sistent therewith.
to the
most high
ery
And
against the
is this
What
men
and drudg-
of their Master,
and their wages ? the thoughts of a bean infidel ? Are these men like to honor
God and promote his service, that have such base
their work,
liever, or of
thoughts of
it
themselves
it
Do
these
men
a slavish work
delight in
Do they
such a drudgery
saith, that
saketh not
"he
all,
to be diligent to save
them
it
Christ
count
to
many
are
made
If these
mi?iis-
men had
312
when he
woman, and when
friends,
He
is
who went
to
you
do,
who
who
die in the
die unconverted
much
for
If
Christ.
Do you
your own
it is
most of God.
is it
it.
And
It is
ing by doing
and
to
be
much
the chief
and
receiv-
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
divine things which have his heart.
313
Besides,
we
make
become
we
pre-
we
shall
ten,
jewels?
fane,
a drudgery, and
reproach
it
man may
ado
all this
work
Even
life,
and
say, they
be saved without
They take
of the ministry,
man may
It is a
ness
when they
none, and
requireth
that
it
neither
And
God
an aggravation of the
sin,
this is so great
and as "
if
fit
salt that
hath
that
sin
re-
proach, let
own
were
as rubbish,
is
if it
the
last.
Objection
But
5.
For what
Ref. Pastor.
man
if
church
ivill
314
on their children
bodily
Men
toil
Answer
1.
It is not
will avoid
both
it
for the
to their consciences if
they
it.
who hath
it,
to
them.
Is infinite
mercy than
what
of rigor in this
self-conceited
2.
As
of that.
to a
we
the ruling of
have,
if blind,
it
He-
the Spirit,
Do you
man had
all
men
to be as cruel,
who
He
provide
men
to be hi? servants
?in<}
it;
ushers
but he will
in his school
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
who
315
to be so employed,
pleasure
but
for the
tors
will
who
after
his
own
shall,
forsake
him
If
?"
you
it,
you
may
your service.
follow him.
ciples, nor
from
men
And
them
to his service,
316
tell
them
and then
of the worst,
as they choose.
count the
cost,
He
let
will call to
and
have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but
the Son of
man hath
they
may
;"
them
to "suffer
And
all
this
If
As
it
be remarked,
first,
it is
Second,
it is
unfaith-
it
will not
He can
To
first,
you "in
you
last.
If
men had
it,
will prove
but calculated
by
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
and had possessed that
Christ,
faith
317
which
"the
is
all
now
are
them
as well to let
And
alone, as trouble
therefore
it is
them and
our-
selves to no purpose.
Answer
1.
It is
many
worse they
are, the
to be pitied,
sadder
is
their case,
But the
and the more
for
their recovery.
2.
wish
it
a great part of the people are so obstinate and conIf we did but burn and shine before
we ought had we convincing sermons and
convincing lives did we set ourselves to do all the
good we could, whatever it might cost us were we
temptuous.
them
as
much more
might be done by us than is done, and the mouths of
many would be stopped and though the wicked will
still
you
say, that
godliest
min-
318
isters in the
some
able godly
some
ward
some
of
them
too lordly
too uncharitable
to costly
of
little in private,
when
is
much
bowing of
The wilfulness
we know who
part,
we
If
them
part,
4.
If
it is theirs.
left
we
when
without excuse.
it is
offered,
help,
Offering
it ?
how
our
it is
offer it not,
offer
will refuse
and accepting
leave
we
But
it
not
if
they
we have done
our
souls.
may
it
be so
much
even greater.
as
it
may
All our
not,
it
over as
unprofitable.
Objection
men
7.
is
there that
"Faith
cometh by hearing, and hearing by the preaching of
is
the word."
Answer
1.
The advantages
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
319
from preaching,
may
add, to the
many
benefits
which ,1 formerly enumerated, that it will be an excellent means of helping you in preaching.
For as the
physician's work is half done when he understands
the disease, so, when you are well acquainted with
your people's case, you will know what to preach on
and it will furnish you with useful matter for your
sermons,, better than
2.
hope there
conference
we
make
none so
silly as to
make
it
none
it
?
Surely, a
think this
not preaching.
is
speak to
tion
many
is
if
man may as
And as we
find that
truly
have
most
ing, if
we
There
faint.
320
Let us
set before
what
us
fore
But how
ill is it
a lesson
here be-
is
learned by those
who
some
my
presented before
conscience, that
of
my
still
I con-
duty and
eyes,
my
my
And
neglect.
eyes.
it,
Could
we but
it
may
VyTTH
2.
Lord
Our
work
special
5.
" I
This
that which
is
must win
souls,
and
preserve them.
6.
His
fidelity
for
the
OR GOLD OR APPAREL
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
321
to receive."
8.
"
my
None of
life dear
joy,
Jesus."
His prayerfulness
9.
IS
God
ABLE TO
Wherefore I
THAT I AM PURE FROM
10.
"
Write
all
this
upon your
hearts,
and
it
will do
if
may
they
get
as
is
is
truly
them back
it
for a
cost him.
me,
if I
This
is it
that will
322
make
most
effectually
may
be
according to
my
On
"
one
side,
of living.)
that will
my
before
my eyes in this
intentions,
He
of
still
is
Nee
which
yet,
ends
him,
life,
Clod
who knows
engage
his
whole estate on
it,
and
Well, brethren,
so rich a pearl.
to
and
if I
hope
may now
boldly
purchase
spend no more
such a bargain,
common
shall be glad.
obtain-
sell all to
I will
if
may
is
take
truths
necessary, I
it for
granted,
work
fidelity in the
now
cessful prosecution of
SECTION
III.
in the birth,
know
that
and that
It is so
us, that it is a
thousand
pities it
we have
before
should be destroyed
we have
it is
it.
And though
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
323
Holy Ghost
means, and
yet
it is
so usual with
God
to
work by
kingdom of darkness by
the
work,
this
if it
do not
selves.
of diligence or of skill.
much
As
already.
my own
to the-latter, I
unskilfulness, that I
am
am
far
so conscious of
from imagining
say,
because
and I am apprehensive that the welfare of the church and nation doth
so much depend on the right management of this
the
number
of such,
is
so great
work.
The points
as to
to
be solicitous,
receive
for, if
you to come
to
And
to do the
to the success of
Article
I.
work
in such a
manner
as will tend
it.
Some
directions for
bringing your
324
The
1.
chief
means
of this
for a
is,
minister so to
life
and
and unfeigned
cerity,
him
love to them.
him
not
For
if
they take
and
if
they think
mean
and does
as, if
Where-
his upright-
and when
own, but merely their good, they will the more readily
And because those to whom I
be persuaded by him.
write are supposed to be none of the most able ministers,
and
may
successful as others'.
If ministers
were content
to purchase
an interest
own
flesh,
to
them,
much
not that
we
own
should
sakes,
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
but that we
may
interest of Christ,
Were
325
own
salvation.
sakes,
it
hates him
much
and
some competent
affection of
them
it
Labor, there-
may
the
do
ple
who
To
What
should a minis-
this I
duct of
will say,
his,
him not
but merely
for
any weakness
or miscon-
for
his duty,
any weakness of
But
his, or difference
be on account of
if it
own
him first
means and
is not for my-
person, let
he cannot,
self,
but
for
let
him say
you that
to
them, "
I labor
It
that you will not obey the word from me, I desire
that you will agree to accept of some other that
cannot
;"
may
man
326
any
and esteem.
2.
thing to be done
to convince
is,
to
course to their
own
souls.
The way
to
win the
prove that
it is
fore preach to
mons
You must
this
conis
to
there-
benefit
general,
first
principles in partic-
and that the aged have the same duty and need
e. g.,
as others, and in some respects much more
from Heb. 5 12. " For when for the time ye ought
ular
to be teachers,
As,
G-od's oracles
saved.
first
learned
that
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
That
may
it
327
of instruction
it is
That
if
means
the
if
they do not,
any have
under
and yet are ignorant of these
they have need to be yet taught them,
of knowledge,
first principles,
how
All this
may
be.
is
a fair opportunity, by
to
and
show them,
first,
many
clear,
whence we have
convincing reasons,
and more especially of the fundamenthird, and particularly for the aged,
oracles; second,
tal principles
who have
sinfully lost so
rance
is
so
little
to save or lose as
well as others.
it is
to go the
there
way
it
to be a Christian,
taught by him
by
And he
by him
come down from heaven again
for
to
328
his ministers to
To
him.
by
Christ
and that
is
taught by
not Christians.
ciples, or are
may
they
Show them
work
is
that
it is
God,
us in accusing
it.
to their minister as to
soul,
for
fear of troubling
them by trying to hinder their damnation. Acquaint them fully with the nature of the ministerial
office,
in teaching
and guiding
all
it
how
the flock
it
consisteth
and that, as
easily yield to
3.
that
When
we
it.
this is done,
it
may
be
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
without excuse
for if
you leave
them
to themselves to
it
329
them
whereas,
ment to
best way
is,
for
the minister
first to
give notice in
and deliver them, and take the opportunity of persuading them to the work and as he goes round, to
take a list of all the persons who have come to years
;
whom
may know
when
whom
it
As
way may
affected
bear
do.
it
usually
made be employed
in purchasing books,
and
and what
may make
As
that
is
up.
we
it
will be necessary
330
them
them
its
brevity
fulness, that
into their
let
is
soul
want
is
so precious, that
there be no remedy.
is
should
them while
as desperate
Before
we
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
331
for-
Article
them
to
with an ignorant
man
As much
work
is
contemned by some,
doubt not
it
more
as this
will try
between one
my
man and
do.
And
here
I shall, as fitting
executed everywhere, as
tended.
it
may
in-
think, that
it
much
first
Christ
it is
'
is it
the very
According to the
332
God which
grace of
have
ter-builder, I
And
apostle.
ever
we
work
rightly
city of the
man
let
please,
is
the learnedst of us
we
try
all
it
that
common
is,
when-
ground-
make an
auditory, and to
ignorant
to
measure
and
we were
if
to dis-
Yet Christ
all,
THIS, IS
THE FRUS-
us preach ever so
labor
is
and the
but
lost, as
The
directions
the right
lowing
1.
must be
For,
to the people,
principles untaught,
first
other doctrine
for
many sermons
our
unlaid,
is
upon which
all
builded,"
which
managing
think
it
necessary to give
When
to you,
one family or
all offence,
unwillingness, or
may
for
receiving
may
say, "
it
thought
so, I
I
it
for
but
if I
had
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
this
my
But
labor.
God hath
me
told
333
word
in his
so solemnly,
what
it is
souls,
it
is
to get well to
heaven
and
may
be together
do what we can
we
and therefore
for
our
it
concerns us to
salvation,
leave you, or
up a cottage
may
you
even
now
be near at hand.
I hope, therefore,
much
not think
it
when
much
trifles
the
greater trouble."
purpose,
may
and
tend to
willing to
for
and some
it
shame
to
334
that can
ready,
You
ing-stock.
prevent
son
is,
all
as
these inconveniences.
rea-
find
plain close
duty,
made
alone,
must speak
some others
there
is
and
if
to the
;
and
if
no remedy.
It is better to
so,
than, by
low
they
may
may
not hear
it
and, therefore,
And
reproofs, deal
then, in your
most
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
335
with the ignorant, secure, and vicious, that you mayfor your close dealing, and
it
may awaken
the by-standers,
These
it.
may
work that
is
3.
learned.
of
how
far
And
therein be care-
necessary points,
less
may
For example
perceive
"What do
What
What
Some
busy
;;
336
ceive
it is
tion,
and seek
them
to a
descriptions
What
we are
For example
and blood as
he a man,
Can he
or is he
die
What
is
or
God
is
not?
is
Is
he
made
of flesh
he an invisible Spirit
Had
faith
Is
he any beginning?
Is
it
a believing
all
the word of
in Christ
Is it the
Christian
and
tify,
to trust in
?
;
What
is
repentance
or is it the
change of
it ?
When
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
God any
We
is
337
They
past?
hope
so, or else
him and some I indeed find have no knowhim and when I tell them the history of
Christ, and what he is and did and suffered, they
stand wondering at it, as a strange thing and some
say they never heard this much before, nor knew it,
though they came to church every Lord's day. But
tion of
ledge of
some,
I perceive,
my
what
shall
under Christ
make God
though
And when
satisfac-
in this also
I
ask them,
And
accept them.
if I
And
if I
ask
suffered for
or,
"He
still
"What hath he
say, "He died
further,
for
done or
for
us;"
for
salvation.
common
people,
if
338
cannot express themselves with any tolerable propriety, nor yet learn
their mouths.
Some
when
of the
helps, in constant
it
for
me
teacheth
what
you
If
find
them
at a loss,
and unable
to
answer
when you
it
thoroughly and
herein
it
is
its
first principles,
up
fetch
and take
it
in
till
for in
them
several capacities.
If
it
must be according
to their
fall
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
339
what he
takes, as
may
him.
If,
ignorant, give
him a
it
be one
who
grossly
is
sum
"You
everlasting there
This
goodness and blessedness in himself.
but one, but yet three persons, the Father, the
Son, and Holy Ghost, in a manner that is above our
hath
God
all
is
understanding.
that this
One
God did make all the world by his word the heavens
he made to be the place of his glory, and a multitude
;
fect,
without any
sin,
tree in the
of
self,
they
die.
it
But the devil, who had first fallen himdid tempt them to sin, and they yielded to his
should
But God,
fell
of his infinite
340
own
made man,
among
sick,
we
And now,
if
our
pent of their
past,
But
they
if
make
them
to his heavenly
and of
kingdom.
his
mercy,
hell.
world
where he
faces,
in our nature.
up
heaven before
their
is
life
may
into
you mean
evil.'
therefore,
to be saved,
short,
be wholly
salvation for
be no
of the
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
341
grossly ignorant.
And
they understand
it,
if
it
when you
and try to
fix it in their
memo-
ries.
their conscience.
For example:
"You
life.
to pry into
office of
Now, though
any man's
made
partakers of ever-
secrets, yet,
because
it is
the
it is
so dangerous
you
life
would entreat
and tell me whether or not you
great change upon your own heart?
or everlasting death, I
to deal honestly,
342
it
be so or not;
importance, but
may
we
have his word before us, by which we may judge ourselves for this word tells us most certainly who they
;
who
Now,
to hell.
man
is
this
communion of
draw his heart
G-od in the
to come,
life
which may
or to the flesh,
self,
may
main bent
of his life
on earth
is,
that
it
and the
go well with
is
him
but a
man
had a
and
all
This
who
is
the case of
But he that
is
truly con-
from
personal instruction:
343
is
hope
such
for
is it to
lost sinners
him,
as he;
that so
How
it.
And
offer.
for the
self
and
and
to be disposed of
all
lasting glory
it;
ness and his hopes, and takes all the affairs of this
life
but as so
to that
is to
many
so that the
be happy in the
of all
who
life
to
come.
This
is
and who
way
of his
life
the case
shall
be
saved.
he say, he hopes he hath, descend to some par"I pray you, then, answer me these
two or three questions. 1. Can you truly say that
If
ticulars, thus:
all
the
known
sins of
your past
is
due
to
you
for
them
life
felt
;
that everlasting
and
that,
under a
lost
344
is
have so
for
so far
far
2.
turned from
it
ney, and heaven is the place that you take for your
home?"
If
tell
in another world,
and
to live in this
world
for
another
that
is
that
it
be so indeed.
Then turn
to
to omit,
prayer
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
in his family, or in private,
345
how you
you have
to do
with
ter to discern a
because
man
to be
it is
certainly graceless, as
If,
dis-
an apparent proba-
an unconverted state,
your next business is, to employ all your skill to
For
brin^ his heart to a sense of his condition.
example: "Truly, my friends, I have no mind, the
Lord knows, to make your condition worse than it
is,
but
me
an insidious
15*
346
world chiefly
for the
Alas,
you are
all
it
now
find
you?
If
know
of?
shortly die,
all this
while
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
347
comfort you in a dying hour, or purchase your salvation, or ease the pains of hell ?"
home with a
peculiar earnestness
not
left sinful
man
;
nor hath he
made any
for sin,
exception in
against you
you had yet
and could come to Christ
life
If
him
348
you, he will
make yon
make
feel
world, as that
this
your
which
is
most odious
burden in the
in itself,
and hath
he will make
you see that you are a lost man, and that there is
nothing for yon but everlasting damnation, unless
you are pardoned by the blood of Christ, and sanctified by his Spirit he will make you see the need you
exposed you to his wrath and curse
piness
is
with
G od,
your
you
Be not quiet in
wrought in your
what
heart. Think, when you rise in the morning,
if this day should be my last, and death should find
me in an unrenewed state. Think, when you are
how much greater a work have
about your labor,
I yet to do, to get my soul reconciled to Grod and
Think, when you are eating
sanctified of his Spirit.
or drinking, or looking on any thing that you possess
in the world, What good will all this do me, if I live
and die an enemy to Grod, and a stranger to Christ
and his Spirit, and so perish for ever? Let these
dition in
which you
your mind
till
at present are.
a saving change
is
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
349
till
your
yourselves seriously
how
shortly
it
will leave
you happy
sins shall be
as the only
offer,
may
way
to
Fourthly, resolve
you would do
poison' out of
you will
the means of grace
you
is,
life,
that
it
make
and cast
it
what
from you,
again.
My
last request
use of
life,
life,
God
in prayer,
and beg
all
350
your
sins,
kingdom.
requests.
2.
sin,
evil
way
manner,
to heaven.
to
3.
Be
so
much
of
these things?
as
it
promise to this
effect,
And
here be sure,
to
And do
this solemnly,
ence of God,
who
is
who
will
and when you afterwards have opportunity, you may remind them of
expect the performance of them
that promise.
9.
At the dismissing
of
things
Mollify their minds by a few words deprecating
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
any thing
take
you
if I
did not
you
it is
and you
but
little
me
but a
you
as little pleasure to
know these
necessary, I
;
" I pray
ill
For example
like offence.
not
it
351
this labor to
myself
here together
the world to
and therefore it is time for us all to
and see that we be ready when Grod
;
come already
look about us,
And
as
we may
perfecting
way
of
and
judicious,
it
will be
for,
an excellent help
to
have in
mem-
And
as to the rulers of
if
yourself.
10.
Have
all
the
names
of your parishioners by
do not
so deal
352
And
whom you
to the char-
To the youthful, you must lay greater shame on senshow them the nature and
necessity of mortification.
To the aged, you must
do more to disgrace this present world, and make
them apprehensive of the nearness of their change,
sual voluptuousness, and
sin, if
To the young
you must be more free to superiors
and elders, more reverent. To the rich, you must
show the vanity of this world, and the nature and
necessity of self-denial, and the damnableness of preferring the present state to the next
together with
and die
and
in ignorance or impenitency.
to inferiors,
riches of glory
as in females, loquacity,
in males, drunk-
Be
as condescending, familiar,
speaketh to them.
Be
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
353
any feeling
in the hearers.
and
ness,
will be as earnest
with them as
for life or
death.
To
own
with our
we
hearts, to excite
work
this
am
confident
belief.
fail
for
him, especially
want
when
the duty
is
An
to treat.
have more of
stage
acts,
have
that
it,
pulpit shall
souls.
grown common,
which he is
is
there,
kind of
men
our-
must
all.
It is other
effectually do the
It is, therefore,
354
selves for
it
by secret prayer
many
and,
time would
if
together,
it
were well
people.
Carry on
all,
them
feel,
and make
and avoid
all
harsh, discouraging
language.
If
individual as
most
is
necessary parts.
together
who
first,
them
who
common
as
much
as concerneth
Only the
all.
state,
and of
must be used
direc-
but take heed of slubbering it over with an unfaithful laziness, or by being too brief without a real
necessity.
12. If Grod enable you, extend
Give
time
that
is
their relief,
and
for the
I
know you
speak to them
that can.
distaste, or
it,
even indignation,
and
PERSONAL INSTRUCTION.
Satan, to the awakening of
many
355
of his servants to
their duty,
many
a
it,
Amen.
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