Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

2. I proceed to consider the case of such private Christians, as occasionally, or providentially, are brought among those people, which have not entertained the Gospel; and to show, how they may be helpful, in bringing them into acquaintance with the Doctrine of Salvation. Let none pretend, that because this work doth, specially, belong to the Ministers of Christ, that, thereupon, private Christians, are exempted, or discharged from that which God hath made their Duty. Let none think to excuse themselves, by saying, They are not learned: for they are a Reproach to Christianity, who have not learned the Essentials of their Religion; and the enforcing, and inculcating of these, must lead the way in the Conversion of Infidels. Let none say, They have enough to do, to mind their own business: For, I doubt not, but ⟨p. 307⟩if they minded the Interest of Christ more, their own would prosper the better. But if they drive on any Design, that is contrary to the Faith, or Precepts of the Gospel, it will be found their Duty, and safety, to extricate themselves out of it, as soon, as they can. If they suggest, that it would be a vain thing for them to expect, or attempt to do any good among Infidels: That will be found to be only the sluggards Plea; There is a Lion in the way, Prov. xxvi. 13. He who hath no heart to an undertaking, will not fail to lay, in his own way, huge Mountains of insuperable difficulties. But, to prevent, or remove all Evasions, it shall be proved, that among private Christians (if we may judge by circumstances, or visible appearance) few or none, (if they really be such as they profess themselves) do labour under such disadvantages, or improbabilities of succeeding in their attempts of recommending Christ, and his Gospel, as many of those were under, whom, yet, the Lord made use of, and eventually blessed, in communicating the knowledge of Himself, to such as were, before, strangers to him. To manifest this, I shall produce four Examples; two out of the holy Scriptures, and two out of Ecclesiastical History. Out of the holy Scriptures, one shall be out of the Old Testament, the other out of the New. Out of the Old Testament, it is surprising and astonishing to observe what a glorious work, the Lord brought about, by the Instrumentality of a little captive Maid, whom the Syrians had brought out of the Land of Israel. Read