A26903:261
Compassionate counsel to all young men especially I. London apprentices, II. students of divinity,…
Compassionate counsel to all young men especially I. London apprentices, II. students of divinity, physic, and law, III. the sons of magistrates and rich men / by Richard Baxter.Compassionate counsel to all young men especially I. London apprentices, II. students of divinity, physick, and law, III. the sons of magistrates and rich men / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by T.S., 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.
Answ. You are less fit for the Ministry than for any thing. That which requireth the highest qualifications, will most shame ⟨p. 146⟩you and condemn you if you want them. If you are not fit for Physic or Law, be some great mans Servant; if not that, its better that you turn to the basest Trade or laborious employment, than to run into the sad case of Hophni, and Phinehas, or Nadab and Abihu! to the utter undoing of your selves and the loss and danger of many others. But if your unfitness be not in your disability but your ungodliness, whether you be Ministers or not, you will be for ever miserable unless you consider well the great things that should change your Hearts and Lives, and turn unfeignedly to God: and when that is done, I am no discourager of you. But believe, it it is far better to be a Cobbler, or Chimney sweeper, or to beg your bread, than to be an ungodly Clergy man, with the greatest preferments, riches and applause.
Answ. You are less fit for the Ministry than for any thing. That which requireth the highest qualifications, will most shame ⟨p. 146⟩you and condemn you if you want them. If you are not fit for Physick or Law, be some great mans Servant; if not that, its better that you turn to the basest Trade or laborious imployment, than to run into the sad case of Hophni, and Phinehas, or Nadab and Abihu! to the utter undoing of your selves and the loss and danger of many others. But if your unfitness be not in your disability but your ungodliness, whether you be Ministers or not, you will be for ever miserable unless you consider well the great things that should change your Hearts and Lives, and turn unfeignedly to God: and when that is done, I am no discourager of you. But believe, it it is farre better to be a Cobler, or Chimney sweeper, or to beg your bread, than to be an ungodly Clergy man, with the greatest preferments, riches and applause.
§. 19. Obj. But (Parents may say) If we devote none to the Ministry till Godliness appear in them, how few will be so devoted, Children seldom show much savour of Religion, and some that seem young Saints prove old Devils.