A call to Archippus

Obj. 5. But there is a secret and most forcible Objection yet behind, which we fear lies with many at the bottom, though it come not so freely out; That this is against our safety, and will certainly expose us to Persecution; and for a man to adventure himself for an opportunity or two, to so great a hazard, as to become a miserable Captive, and a prey to the Sons of violence, seems but folly.

Sol. 1. Why then do you neglect that of your work which would not expose to Persecution? cannot you dwell with your People, and keep the oversight of them, and watch to see when danger approaches, and give them warning (though more privately) whereby to prevent their Ruin? We humbly conceive, it is a part, and no little part of a Ministers duty ^†personally to instruct his People and to visit his Charge, and to preach from house to house, and that distinct from public preaching: now this would not expose you to any suffering, and yet how sadly is this neglected? There was a time when this duty, being urged, the great objection against it was, because Ministers had not time from their public Employments. Brethren, let us deal plainly with God and with men; Why then is this great Duty now neglected? Now when we have little else to do; especially since 'tis acknowledgly the great duty of Ministers, and they may do it with safety, and be greatly instrumental in it: And have now few other ways to edify their People; Is it for want of time now that they do not do it? or from the multitude and weight of their public Employments? But,

Sol. 1. Why then do you neglect that of your work which would not expose to Pesecution? cannot you dwell with your People, and keep the oversight of them, and watch to see when danger approaches, and give them warning (though more privately) whereby to prevent their Ruine? We humbly conceive, it is a part, and no little part of a Ministers duty ^†personally to instruct his People and to visit his Charge, and to preach from house to house, and that distinct from publick preaching: now this would not expose you to any suffering, and yet how sadly is this neglected? There was a time when this duty, being urged, the great objection against it was, because Ministers had not time from their publick Imployments. Brethren, let us deal plainly with God and with men; Why then is this great Duty now neglected? Now when we have little else to do; especially since 'tis acknowledgly the great duty of Ministers, and they may do it with safety, and be greatly instrumental in it: And have now few other wayes to edify their People; Is it for want of time now that they do not do it? or from the multitude and weight of their publick Imployments? But,