Gildas Salvianus: The Reformed Pastor

9. Another singular Benefit which we may hope for from the faithful performance of this work, is, that It will help our people better to understand the nature of their duty towards their Overseers, and consequently to discharge it better. Which were no matter if it were only for our sakes; but their own salvation is very much concerned in it. I am confident by sad experience, that it is none of the least impediments to their happiness, and to a true Reformation of the Church: that the people understand not what the work and power of a Minister is, and what their own duty towards them is. They commonly think that a Minister hath no more to do with them but to preach to them, and visit them in sickness, and administer Sacraments, and that if they hear him, and receive the Sacrament from him, they owe no further obedience, nor can he require any more at their hands. Little do they know that the Minister is in the Church as the Schoolmaster in his School, to teach and take an account of every one in particular, and that all Christians ordinarily must be Disciples or Scholars in some such School They think not that a Minister is in the Church as a Physician in a Town, for all people to resort to, for personal advice for the curing of all those diseases that are fit to be brought to a Physician: and that the Priests lips must preserve knowledge, and the people must ask the Law at their mouths, because he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. And that every soul in the Congregation is ⟨p. 325⟩bound for their own safety, to have personal recourse to him, for the resolving of their doubts, and for help against their sins, and for direction in duty, and for increase of knowledge and all saving grace! and that Ministers are purposely settled in Congregations to this end, to be still ready to advise and help the Flock. If our people did but know their duty, they would readily come to us when they are desired to be instructed, and to give an account of their knowledge, faith and lives; and they would come themselves without sending for, and knock oftener at our doors, and call for advice and help for their souls; and ask, What shall we do to be saved? Whereas now the matter is come to that sad pass, that they think a Minister hath nothing to do with them, and if he admonish them, they will bid him look to himself, he shall not answer for them:

9. ANother singular Benefit which we may hope for from the faithful performance of this work, is, that It will help our people better to understand the nature of their duty towards their Overseers, and consequently to discharge it better. Which were no matter if it were only for our sakes; but their own salvation is very much concerned in it. I am confident by sad experience, that it is none of the least impediments to their happiness, and to a true Reformation of the Church: that the people understand not what the work and power of a Minister is, and what their own duty towards them is. They commonly think that a Minister hath no more to do with them but to preach to them, and visit them in sickness, and administer Sacraments, and that if they hear him, and receive the Sacrament from him, they owe no further obedience, nor can he require any more at their hands. Little do they know that the Minister is in the Church as the Schoolmaster in his School, to teach and take an account of every one in particular, and that all Christians ordinarily must be Disciples or Scholars in some such School They think not that a Minister is in the Church as a Physician in a Town, for all people to resort to, for personal advice for the curing of all those diseases that are fit to be brought to a Physician: and that the Priests lips must preserve knowledge, and the people must ask the Law at their mouths, because he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. And that every soul in the Congregation is