The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32…

5. Some Ministers are loth to tell People of their duty in this, lest it should confirm the world in their malicious conceit, that we would be Masters of Mens Consciences, and would lord it over them. This is as much folly and cruelty, as if the Master and Pilot of the Ship should let the Mariners govern the Ship by the Major Vote, and run all on shelves, and drown themselves and him, and all for fear of being thought Lordly and Tyrannical in taking the Government of the Ship upon himself, and telling the Mariners that it is their duty to obey him.

6. Most godly Ministers do tell People in General of the Necessity of such a Dependence on their Teachers, as Learners in the School of Christ should have on them that are Ushers under him the chief Master; and they do gladly give advice to those that do seek to them: But they do not so particularly and plainly acquaint People with their duty in opening to them the particular sores of their souls.

6. Most godly Ministers do tell People in General of the Necessity of such a Dependance on their Teachers, as Learners in the School of Christ should have on them that are Ushers under him the chief Master; and they do gladly give advice to those that do seek to them: But they do not so particularly and plainly acquaint People with their duty in opening to them the particular sores of their souls.

It is also the Policy of the Devil to make People Believe that their Ministers are too ⟨p. 522⟩stout, and will not stoop to a compassionate hearing of their case: especially if Ministers carry themselves strangely at too great a distance from their People. I would earnestly entreat all Ministers therefore to be as familiar and as much with their People as they can. Papists and other Seducers will insinuate themselves into their familiarity, if we be strange: If you teach them not in their Houses, these will Creep into their Houses, and lead them Captive. I persuade others of my Brethren to that which my self am disabled from performing; being by constant weakness (besides unavoidable business) confined to my Chamber. But those that can perform it, will find this a most necessary and profitable work. And let not poor People believe the Devil, who tells them that Ministers are so proud, only to discourage them from seeking their advice. Go try them once before you believe it.