For application of this point, it is requisite that we be 1well instructed by Gods Word in the kind of our calling, whether it be lawful and warrantable, or no. As for extraordinary callings, they must be warranted by an extraordinary spirit, which is rare, if at all, in these days. But ordinary callings have their express warrant in Gods Word. As the callings of Magistrates, Ministers, Soldiers, Husbands and Wives, Parents and Children, Masters and Servants, Nurses, and Helpers in all kinds of necessities. These may, these must in their place & calling expose themselves to danger, for performing the work which by virtue of their place belongeth unto them. Captains and Soldiers must stand against enemies though thereby they endanger their lives. Magistrates must abide in Cities and other places besieged or infected with contagious diseases, to see good order kept, to take order for supply of such necessaries as are fit for all sorts, though by abiding there, they be in danger. So Ministers must abide in such places, to instruct, direct, comfort, encourage the people under their charge. So husbands and wives being one flesh, must have such a tender respect each of other, as not to forsake one another for fear of infection, or other like danger. Servants also, Nurses, and others that in such cases take upon them, or by public authority are appointed to be helpers to such as are infected with the plague, or any other contagious and infectious disease, are bound to attend such persons, and abide by them, yea though it be with danger of their own lives. For it is necessary that such persons be looked unto. To forsake and leave them, that are not able to help themselves, to themselves, is more then barbarous inhumanity. It is necessary that some abide by them. Who more bound then they that have an especial calling thereto? They with greatest confidence may depend on Gods special providence for protection ⟨p. 102⟩from infection. If they be infected and die, they with greatest comfort may yield up their souls into Gods hands, as dying in that place wherein God hath set them. In these cases God hath called them to venture their lives for their brethren, and thereby to give evidence of their true brotherly love.
For application of this point, it is requisite that we be 1well instructed by Gods Word in the kind of our calling, whether it be lawfull and warrantable, or no. As for extraordinary callings, they must be warranted by an extraordinary spirit, which is rare, if at all, in these dayes. But ordinary callings have their expresse warrant in Gods Word. As the callings of Magistrates, Ministers, Souldiers, Husbands and Wives, Parents and Children, Masters and Servants, Nurses, and Helpers in all kinds of necessities. These may, these must in their place & calling expose themselves to danger, for performing the work which by vertue of their place belongeth unto them. Captains and Soldiers must stand against enemies though thereby they endanger their lives. Magistrates must abide in Cities and other places besieged or infected with contagious diseases, to see good order kept, to take order for supply of such necessaries as are fit for all sorts, though by abiding there, they be in danger. So Ministers must abide in such places, to instruct, direct, comfort, encourage the people under their charge. So husbands and wives being one flesh, must have such a tender respect each of other, as not to forsake one another for feare of infection, or other like danger. Servants also, Nurses, and others that in such cases take upon them, or by publique authority are appointed to be helpers to such as are infected with the plague, or any other contagious and infectious disease, are bound to attend such persons, and abide by them, yea though it be with danger of their owne lives. For it is necessary that such persons be looked unto. To forsake and leave them, that are not able to helpe themselves, to themselves, is more then barbarous inhumanity. It is necessary that some abide by them. Who more bound then they that have an especiall calling thereto? They with greatest confidence may depend on Gods speciall providence for protection ⟨p. 102⟩from infection. If they be infected and die, they with greatest comfort may yeeld up their soules into Gods hands, as dying in that place wherein God hath set them. In these cases God hath called them to venter their lives for their brethren, and thereby to give evidence of their true brotherly love.
- 1Who to abide in plague time.
