A26932:138
Gildas Salvianus: The Reformed Pastor
Gildas Salvianus, the reformed pastor showing the nature of the pastoral work, especially in private instruction and catechizing : with an open confession of our too open sins : prepared for a day of humiliation kept at Worcester, Decemb. 4, 1655 by the ministers of that county, who subscribed the agreement for catechizing and personal instruction at their entrance upon that work / by their unworthy fellow-servant, Richard Baxter ...Gildas Salvianus, the reformed pastor shewing the nature of the pastoral work, especially in private instruction and catechizing : with an open confession of our too open sins : prepared for a day of humiliation kept at Worcester, Decemb. 4, 1655 by the ministers of that county, who subscribed the agreement for catechizing and personal instruction at their entrance upon that work / by their unworthy fellow-servant, Richard Baxter ...
London: printed by Robert White for Nevil Simmons, 1656
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.
SECT. VIII.
4. Moreover take heed to your selves, lest your example contradict your Doctrine, and lest you lay such stumbling blocks before the blind, as may be the occasion of their ruin. Lest you unsay that with your lives, which you say with your tongues; and be the greatest hinderers of the success of your own labours. It much hindereth our work when other men are all the week long contradicting to poor people in private, that which we have been speaking to them from the word of God in public because we cannot be at hand to manifest their folly: But it will much more hinder, if we contradict our selves, and if your actions give your tongue the lye, and if you build up an hour or two with your mouths, and all the week after pull down with your hands! This is the way to make men think that the word of God is but an idle tale: and to make preaching seem no better then prating. He that means as he speaks, will sure do as he speaks. One proud surly Lordly word, one needless contention, one covetous action may cut the throat of many a Sermon, and blast the fruit of all that you have been doing. Tell me Brethren, in the fear of God: Do you regard the success of your labours, or do you not? Do you long to see it upon the souls of your hearers? If you do not, What do you preach for! What do you study for! and what do you call your selves the Ministers of Christ for? But if you do, then sure you cannot find in your ⟨p. 23⟩heart to mar your work for a thing of nought! What, do you regard the success of your labours, and yet will not part with a little to the poor, not put up an injury or a soul word, nor stoop to the meanest, nor forbear your passionate or •ordly carriage, no not for the winning of souls, and attaining the end of all your labours! You much regard the success indeed, that will fell it at so cheap a rate, or will not do so small a matter to attain it!