The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

He shall gather the ⟨p. 326⟩Lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. The sum is this, saith Calvin on the Text: God in governing his people will be mild, gentle, placid, merciful, that those who are weak he will not urge them beyond the measure of their strength. With whom Forerius agreeth, Gently lead them that are with young, as Jacob did his Flock, saith he, he will not drive them too fast, nor make them take great journeys: The words commend to us the care, the prudence, and love in Christ our Lord; and I shall ever wish (saith Forerius) that the Ministers of Christ would manifest the same. When they would have the Disciples of Christ put upon hard duties, Matth. 9.14. Christ answers them, ver. 17. Men do not put new wine into old bottles: The meaning is, saith that solid and learned Mr. An. Burges, No Minister that is wise will suddenly press high and more sublime duties to those that are yet weak, ¹and through custom and education are not fit to receive such strong meat, but they must be prepared by degrees. With whom agree, Doctor Sibbs, Mr. Burroughs, Cornelius a Lapide, and others. There are many new Creatures, who are old bottles, not able, I fear, to hold that new Wine which some pour into them; they are but children, weak, yet crying after Christ, and are so all their days; they are with young, travelling and bringing forth, as those under terrors are, ^*in the pangs of a loaded Conscience, as it were in Fits of breeding, or in the travail under some affliction^†, they are loaded, pressed and oppressed, unfit to walk or go, through sinking temptations and bitter afflictions: In the little Flock of Christ, many will be found of this number, who will sit down discouraged, if they cannot go that pace their Shepherds drive them.

He shall gather the ⟨p. 326⟩Lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. The sum is this, saith Calvin on the Text: God in governing his people will be mild, gentle, placid, merciful, that those who are weak he will not urge them beyond the measure of their strength. With whom Forerius agreeth, Gently lead them that are with young, as Jacob did his Flock, saith he, he will not drive them too fast, nor make them take great journeys: The words commend to us the care, the prudence, and love in Christ our Lord; and I shall ever wish (saith Forerius) that the Ministers of Christ would manifest the same. When they would have the Disciples of Christ put upon hard duties,