A26932:792
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.
So far the Reverend Bishop.
The Directions which I think necessary to be observed in the managing of the work, for matter and manner are these following.
Direct. 1. When your Neighbours come to you, one family or more, begin with a brief Preface, to demulce their minds, and take off all offence, unwillingness or discouragement, to prepare them to entertain your following Instructions. E. g. Neighbours, it may perhaps seem to some of you, as an unusual, so a troublesome business, that I put you upon: but I hope you will not think it needless: For if I had thought so, I should have spared you and my self this labour: But my Conscience hath told me, yea God hath told me in his word, so roundly, what it is to have the Charge of mens souls, and how the blood of them that perish in their sins, will be required at the hands of a Minister that neglecteth them, that I dare not be so guilty of it as I have been. Alas, all our business in this world is to get well to Heaven; and God hath appointed us to be Guides to his people, to help them safe thither; If this be well done, all is done; and if this be not done we are for ever undone! The Lord knows how little a while you and I may be together; and therefore it concerns us to do what we can for our own and your salvation, before we leave you or you leave the world. All other business in the world are but toys and dreams in comparison of this! The labours of your calling are but to prop up the cottages of your flesh, while you are making ready for death and Judgement; which God knows is near at hand. And I hope you will be glad of help in so needful a work, and not think it much that I put you to this trouble; when the trifles of ⟨p. 426⟩the world will not be got without greater trouble] This, some of this, or somewhat to this purpose may tend to make them more willing to hear you, and receive instruction, or give you an account of their knowledge or practice, which must be the work of the day.