A26932:256
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.
To this end its very necessary that we be acquainted with Practical Cases, and specially that we be acquainted with the nature of true Grace, and able to assist them in trying their states, and resolve the main question that concerns their everlasting life or death. One word of seasonable prudent advice given by a Minister to persons in necessity, hath done that good that many Sermons would not have done.
4. We must also have a special eye upon families, to see that they be well ordered, and the duties of each relation performed. The life of Religion, and the welfare and glory of Church and State, dependeth much on family Government and duty. If we suffer the neglect of this, we undo all. What are we like to do our selves to the Reforming of a Congregation, if all the work be cast on us alone, and Masters of families will let fall that necessary duty of their own, by which they are bound to help us! If any good be begun by the Ministry in any soul in a family, a careless, prayerless, worldly family is like to stifle it, or very much hinder it. Whereas ⟨p. 84⟩if you could but get the Rulers of families to do their part, and take up the work where you left it, and help it on, what abundance of good might be done by it? (as I have elsewhere showed more at large) I beseech you therefore do all that you can to promote this business, as ever you desire the true Reformation and welfare of your Parishes. To which end let these things following be performed.
4. We must also have a special eye upon families, to see that they be well ordered, and the duties of each relation performed. The life of Religion, and the welfare and glory of Church and State, dependeth much on family Government and duty. If we suffer the neglect of this, we undo all. What are we like to do our selves to the Reforming of a Congregation, if all the work be cast on us alone, and Masters of families will let fall that necessary duty of their own, by which they are bound to help us! If any good be begun by the Ministery in any soul in a family, a careless, prayerless, worldly family is like to stiffle it, or very much hinder it. Whereas