Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

But who can tell, whether God may not, in his own good time, by some or other of them, convey the knowledge of Christ to some perishing Souls? This may suffice touching the Example produced out of the Old Testament.

The Example out of the New Testament, shall be of those who were driven out of Jerusalem, in the persecution that followed the Martyrdom of Stephen, of whom ye may read, Acts viii. 4. [Therefore they who were scattered abroad, went every where preaching the Word] in the strange countries whither providence led them, and a wonderful blessing went along with them, as ye may see, Acts xi. 19, 20, 21. Now they who were scattered abroad upon the persecution, that arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phenice.— Which when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them; And a great multitude believed and turned unto the Lord. These were private Christians, for any thing that appears to the contrary. And, what they did, was no more, than every private Christian Regularly may, and, in duty, ought to do, if the Criticism of the late learned Annotator, be allowed, who saith, That tho [Greek or Hebrew] and [Greek or Hebrew] do Materially signify the same thing: Yet, perhaps, they differ in the manner. For [Greek or Hebrew], is a work that lies in common; any Christian may publish the glad tidings of the Gospel, and give a Relation of our Lord Jesus Christ, his Doctrine, Miracles, Sufferings, Resurrection, &c. Which was permitted to be done by Women themselves. But [Greek or Hebrew], to proclaim the Gospel, as Heralds, appointed, and authorized thereunto by Jesus Christ. This is proper to the Ministers of the Gospel, and belongs to their Office. Upon this, I shall leave one Remark only, That it were greatly to be wished, that all such as for their adherence to the Gospel, are, by persecution, driven from their Habitations, and Countries, were persons of the same Spirit with those who were scattered abroad from Jerusalem, such as bring the Grace, and word of God with them, whithersoever they come; so would they prove great Blessings to all that receive them. This may suffice to have been spoken of the New-Testament instance.