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…

X. And if you would be instruments of public Good, know what are public sins and dangers, that you may do your part against them; and join not with any that will promise never to endeavour any reforming alteration, The chiefest are Ignorance, Pride, and Self-willedness in Teachers and People, malignant enmity to goodness, impatience with the infirmities of good men; judging of persons and things by self-interest, covetousness, sensuality, and taking Christianity but as the Religion of the Land, without diligent Study to be rooted in the Truth. And the scandals of Hypocrites and tempted Christians, hardening the enemies, especially by divisions and public temerities and miscarriages, is not the least.

X. And if you would be instruments of publick Good, know what are publick sins and dangers, that you may do your part against them; and joyn not with any that will promise never to endeavour any reforming alteration, The chiefest are Ignorance, Pride, and Self-willedness in Teachers and People, malignant enmity to goodness, impatience with the infirmities of good men; judging of persons and things by self-interest, covetousness, sensuality, and taking Christianity but as the Religion of the Land, without diligent Study to be rooted in the Truth. And the scandals of Hypocrites and tempted Christians, hardening the enemies, especially by divisions and publick temerities and miscarriages, is not the least.

XI. I would also in order to public good, persuade serious Christians to be more zealous in Communication with their Neighbours, and live not over-strangely to others, and say not as Cain, Am I my Brothers keeper? Be kind and loving to all about you, and live not as unknown men to them; nor alienate them by sourness, contempt or needless singularity; But become all things lawful to all men to save some; Lend them good books, and draw them to hear Gods faithful Ministers: Persuade them to pray in their Families, even with a Form or Book, till they need it not.

XI. I would also in order to publick good, perswade serious Christians to be more zealous in Communication with their Neighbours, and live not over-strangely to others, and say not as Cain, Am I my Brothers keeper? Be kind and loving to all about you, and live not as unknown men to them; nor alienate them by sourness, contempt or needless singularity; But become all things lawful to all men to save some; Lend them good books, and draw them to hear Gods faithful Ministers: Perswade them to pray in their Families, even with a Form or Book, till they need it not.