A26932:870
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.
3. Yet let there be some opportunity for them to speak, and appear in a learning way. To which purpose, ⟨p. 468⟩when you have done repeating, let all that are present know, that if they doubt of any thing that was delivered, or would have any thing made plainer to them, or would be resolved in any thing else that concerneth the subject in hand (or any other in case of need) you desire them to propound their doubts. And so let them have the liberty of questioning as learners, while you remain the Teacher, and resolve all the doubts your selves, and do not set them on disputing, by leaving it to them to make the answer. And if you have not competent abilities ex tempore, to resolve their doubts, you were much better let pass this too: but if you have, it will be of very great use, both for their edification, and the maintaining of order, and their necessary dependence on you.
3. Yet let there be some opportunity for them to speak, and appear in a learning way. To which purpose, ⟨p. 468⟩when you have done repeating, let all that are present know, that if they doubt of any thing that was delivered, or would have any thing made plainer to them, or would be resolved in any thing else that concerneth the subject in hand (or any other in case of need) you desire them to propound their doubts. And so let them have the liberty of questioning as learners, while you remain the Teacher, and resolve all the doubts your selves, and do not set them on disputing, by leaving it to them to make the answer. And if you have not competent abilities ex tempore, to resolve their doubts, you were much better let pass this too: but if you have, it will be of very great use, both for their edification, and the maintaining of order, and their necessary dependance on you.
4. But if you perceive them so set upon the exercise of their own parts for ostentation, that they are like to divide, if they have not opportunity to do it; be not too stiff against them; but mildly let them know, that it is for their good that you dislike it, both because it is an ill sign of a proud heart, that had rather teach, then learn, especially where a Teacher by office is in place, and where there is no necessity; and also because you fear it will not tend to the best edification of the Flock, but to vain janglings, or to excite others that are unable to an imitation. Desire also to know of them, whether they have any truth of God to reveal to them, that you do not reveal? If they have not, why should they desire needlessly to tell them what they are daily told by you? If they have, it is necessary that you know it and consider of it, before you consent that it should be taught to your Flock. But if this mild resistance satisfy not, let