A26932:227
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.
2. We are all bound to dispose of our selves to the greatest advantage of the Church, and to take that course in which we may do God the greatest service; and we know that he hath more work for us in greater Congregations then in lesser, and that the neglect of them would be the greatest injury and danger to his Church and interest: and therefore we must not refuse, but choose the greatest work, though it be accompanied with the greatest difficulties and suffering. It must be done, and why not by you as well as others?
2. We are all bound to dispose of our selves to the greatest advantage of the Church, and to take that course in which we may do God the greatest service; and we know that he hath more work for us in greater Congregations then in lesser, and that the neglect of them would be the greatest injury and danger to his Church and interest: and therefore we must not refuse, but chuse the greatest work, though it be accompanied with the greatest difficulties and suffering. It must be done, and why not by you as well as others?
Obj. But no man must undertake more then he can do.
Answ. I will add the rest of my enquiries, which will answer this objection. 3. Would the maintenance of the place serve two others, that have less necessity, or smaller families then you? If it will, try to get two such as may accept it in your stead. 4. If this cannot be done, nor addition be procured, and there be really so little that you cannot have assistance, then these two things must be done. 1. You must take the charge with limitation, with a profession of your insufficiency for the whole work, and your undertaking only so much as you can do; and this you do for the necessity of the place that cannot otherwise be better supplied. 2. You must not leave off the work of personal Over-sight, nor refuse to deal particularly with any, because you cannot do it with all: But take this course with as many as you are able: and withal put on godly neighbours, and specially parents and masters of families to do the more. And thus doing what we can, will be accepted.