A26932:513
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.
How many are entangled again in their former sensuality? and how many do but change a disgraceful way of flesh-pleasing for a way that is less dishonourable, and maketh not so great a noise in their consciences? How many grow proud before they reach to a settled knowledge, & greedily snatch at every error that is presented to them, under the name of Truth; and in confidence of the strength of their unfurnished intellects, despise them that they were wont to learn of, and become the greatest grief to their Teachers, that before rejoiced in their hopeful beginnings? And like Chickens that straggle from the hen, they are carried away by that infernal Kite, while they proudly despise the Guidance and advice of those that Christ hath set over them for their safety. O Brethren, what a field of work is there before us? not a person that you can see but may find you work. In the Saints themselves, how soon do their graces languish if you neglect them? ⟨p. 252⟩and how easily are they drawn into scandalous ways, to the dishonour of the Gospel, and their own loss and sorrow! If this be the work of a Minister, you may see what a life he hath to lead. Up then, and let us be doing with all our might: Difficulties must quicken and not discourage in a Possible and Necessary work. If we cannot do all, let us do what we can: For if we neglect it, woe to us and them. Should we pass over all these needful things, and by a plausible Sermon only, think to prove our selves faithful Ministers, and to put off God and man with such a shell and formal visor, our Reward would prove as superficial as our work.
How many are entangled again in their former sensuality? and how many do but change a disgraceful way of flesh-pleasing for a way that is less dishonourable, and maketh not so great a noise in their consciences? How many grow proud before they reach to a settled knowledge, & greedily snatch at every error that is presented to them, under the name of Truth; and in confidence of the strength of their unfurnished intellects, despise them that they were wont to learn of, and become the greatest grief to their Teachers, that before rejoyced in their hopeful beginnings? And like Chickens that straggle from the hen, they are carried away by that infernal Kite, while they proudly despise the Guidance and advice of those that Christ hath set over them for their safety. O Brethren, what a field of work is there before us? not a person that you can see but may find you work. In the Saints themselves, how soon do their graces languish if you neglect them?