Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

4. Remember, That Grace, when it hath its freedom of exercise, will draw you off, from centering in Self, and raise in you a spirit of freedom, and nobleness to seek the good of others, especially to advance the Glory of God, in the Salvation of Souls. Take heed, that ye be not found in the number of those, of whom the Apostle speaks, Phil. ii. 21. For all seek their own, not the things, which are Jesus Christs.

5. I hope ye do not desire to be excused, or excluded, from bearing any part, in that honourable and glorious work, of being employed by Christ, (in your Stations, and according to your Capacities) in the affairs of his Kingdom: but that it would grieve you at the very heart, to be laid aside, as a despised, broken Idol; when all this is recollected, and maturely pondered, where is that godly private Christian, that will deliberately say, I am not concerned, to be helpful, in such ways as are proper for me, in promoting the Entertainment of the Gospel?

Secondly, As for those godly private Christians, whose hearts are sincerely willing to be serviceable to the Lord Jesus Christ, and would exceedingly rejoice to contribute all the assistance, that they are able to afford, for the Conversion, and Salvation of perishing Souls; but complain, That the work in which this Discourse would engage them, lies a great way off, and is out of their reach. But could they be employed about any thing of that nature, within the compass of their sphere of activity, they would most gladly embrace it, and vigorously bestir themselves in it. If that be, really, the Case of any, Then, I say to such, Up, and be doing, and the Lord be with you, to direct, help, and succeed you; for ye will find enough to do at your own doors, and, probably, in your own Houses. Briefly and plainly then, the matter stands thus: There are many, who have entertained the Gospel, as far as a general, ignorant, customary Profession will go: but are so far from admitting the spirit, life, and power of it, into their hearts, that they are not only utter strangers to it, but are full of bitter enmity against it. Will ye be helpful, now, to prevail with them to receive it, with Faith, Love, and Obedience? It will be as acceptable (and, I fear, ye will find it as difficult) a work to bring a wicked, hard-hearted Christian, to believe in Christ, to the Salvation of his Soul, as an open Infidel to make profession of the Gospel. Ye will find many as ignorant of the very Essentials of Christianity, as the very Pagans; as froward, perverse, and opposite to all means of Instruction, as Indians; many that love their Lusts, and hold them as fast, as any in the world. The Barbarians are prejudiced against our Religion, because they understand it not, or have had it mis-represented to them: but the more plainly, and truly, it is set forth before profane ones, at home, the more bitterly do they hate it, and discover the greater aversation to it. So ye see, That tho' the Scene of the Question seemed to be laid afar off, yet the purport, and design of it reacheth us at home. And I believe, No godly private Christian will say, that he is not concerned to seek the Conversion and Salvation of the ignorant, sensual, profane, and ungodly ones, among whom they live. If ye ask me then, How may we be helpful thereunto?