A26932:149
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. XI.
3. AND the rather also Take heed to your selves; because such great works as ours do put men on greater use and trial of their graces, and have greater temptations, then many other mens. Weaker gifts and graces may carry a man out in a more even and laudable course of life, that is not put to so great trials. Smaller strength may serve for lighter works and burdens. But if you will venture on the great undertakings of the Ministry, if you will lead on the Troops of Christ against the face of Satan and his followers; if you will engage your selves against principalities and powers, and spiritual wickednesses in high places; if you undertake to rescue captivated sinners, and to fetch men out of the Devils paws: do not think that a heedless, careless Minister is fit for so great a work as this. You must look to come off with greater shame, and deeper wounds of conscience, then if you had lived a common life, if you will think to go through such things as these with a careless soul. It is not only the work that calls for heed, but the workman also, that he may be fit for business of such weight; we have seen by experience, that many men that lived as private Christians, in good reputation for parts and piety, when they have taken upon them either military employment, or Magistracy, where the work was above their parts, and temptations did overmatch ⟨p. 30⟩their strength, they have proved scandalous disgraced men. And we have seen some private Christians of good note, that having thought too highly of their parts, and thrust themselves into the Ministerial office, they have been empty men, and almost burdens to the Church, and worse then some that we have endeavoured to cast out. They might have done God more service in the station of the higher rank of private men, then they do among the lowest of the Ministry. If you will venture into the midst of the enemies, and bear the burden and heat of the day, Take heed to your selves.