A26870:258
A breviate of the life of Margaret, the daughter of Francis Charlton ... and…
A breviate of the life of Margaret, the daughter of Francis Charlton ... and wife of Richard Baxter ... : there is also published the character of her mother, truly described in her published funeral sermon, reprinted at her daughters request, called, The last work of a believer, his passing-prayer recommending his departing spirit to Christ, to be received by him.
London: printed for B. Simmons, 1681
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. And a Minister can scarce look to win much on his Flock, if he be not able to oblige them by gifts of charity and liberality. And a married man hath seldom any thing to spare, especially if he have children that must be provided for, all will seem too little for them. Or if he have none, House-keeping is chargeable, when a single man may have entertainment at easy rates; and most women are weak, and apt to live in fear of want, if not in covetousness; and have many wants real or fancied of their own to be supplied.
2. And a Minister can scarce look to win much on his Flock, if he be not able to oblige them by gifts of charity and liberality. And a married man hath seldom any thing to spare, especially if he have children that must be provided for, all will seem too little for them. Or if he have none, House-keeping is chargeable, when a single man may have entertainment at easie rates; and most women are weak, and apt to live in fear of want, if not in covetousness; and have many wants real or fancied of their own to be supplied.
3. In a word, St. Paul's own words are plain to others, but concern Ministers much more than other men, 1 Cor. 7. 7, &c. I would that all men were as I my self— It is good for them they abide even as I— ⟨p. 103⟩28. Such shall have trouble in the flesh. 32. I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried, careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: but he that is married, careth for the things of the world, how he may please his wife. This is true. And believe it, both caring for the things of the world, and caring to please one another, are businesses, and troublesome businesses; care for house-rent, for children, for servants wages, for food and raiment, but above all for debts, are very troublesome things; and if cares choke the word in hearers, they will be very unfit for the mind of a Student, and a man that should still dwell on holy things.