Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

5. The last thing (the former four being established and admitted) is to enquire, How private Christians may be most helpful herein? The Text gives a general Direction when it enjoins them to walk in wisdom, toward them that are without. And this will administer to us occasion, to lay out this general direction, more distinctly, and particularly. Thus, I hope, the opening of the Text hath reflected some light upon the Question, and all that I have to offer may be gathered up in this Observation:

5. The last thing (the former four being established and admitted) is to enquire, How private Christians may be most helpful herein? The Text gives a general Direction when it enjoyns them to walk in wisdom, toward them that are without. And this will administer to us occasion, to lay out this general direction, more distinctly, and particularly. Thus, I hope, the opening of the Text hath reflected some light upon the Question, and all that I have to offer may be gathered up in this Observation:

Private Christians, walking in wisdom, toward them them that are without, may be exceeding helpful, to promote the entertainment of the Gospel among them. This, they may do and more. For they may be helpful to promote their Conversion, and Salvation. To further the entertainment of the Gospel among them, is but the Means: To promote their Conversion, and Salvation is the End. And the Means are for the end. Now, it is expressly affirmed, That a Private Believer may save an Infidel, 1 Cor. vii. 16. For what knowest thou, O Wife, whether thou shalt save thy Husband? Or, how knowest thou, O Man, whether thou shalt save thy Wife? i. e. The believing party may be induced to cohabit with the unbeliever, upon a hopeful prospect, that it is possible to conquer them by love, to attract them to have an esteem for holiness, by an exemplary conversation, and to obtain Gods grace for them, by ardent prayers, and so be the Means of saving their Souls. The Apostle Peter exhorts Christian Women, who were yoked with unbelievers, to become eminent for their Modesty, Chastity, Humility and Respectfulness to their Husbands, by the same argument,