A26939:113
How to do good to many, or, The public good is the Christians life…How to do good to many, or, The publick good is the Christians life…
How to do good to many, or, The public good is the Christians life directions and motives to it, intended for an auditory of London citizens, and published for them, for want of leave to preach them / by Richard Baxter.How to do good to many, or, The publick good is the Christians life directions and motives to it, intended for an auditory of London citizens, and published for them, for want of leave to preach them / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for Rob. Gibs, 1682
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.
But the prudent loving guidance of faithful Pastors is so necessary to the Church, that without it there will be envy and strife, confusion and every evil work: and a headless multitude, tho otherwise well meaning pious people, will be all wise, and all Teachers, till they have no wise Teachers left, and will crumble all into dissolution, or into shameful Sects: St. Paul told us of two games that Satan hath to play, Acts 20. One by grievous Wolves, that shall devour the Flock (tho in Sheeps clothing, yet known by their bloody jaws.) The other by Men from among your selves, who shall speak perverse things, to draw Disciples after them.
But the prudent loving guidance of faithful Pastors is so necessary to the Church, that without it there will be envy and strife, confusion and every evil work: and a headless multitude, tho otherwise well meaning pious people, will be all wise, and all Teachers, till they have no wise Teachers left, and will crumble all into dissolution, or into shameful Sects: St. Paul told us of two games that Satan hath to play, Acts 20. One by grievous Wolves, that shall devour the Flock (tho in Sheeps cloathing, yet known by their bloudy jawes.) The other by Men from among your selves, who shall speak perverse things, to draw Disciples after them.
VI. If you would promote the good of all or many, promote ⟨p. 22⟩the Love and Concord of all that deserve to be called Christians.
To which end you must 1. Know who those are, and 2. Skilfully and faithfully endeavour it.