The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

As I was not so fervent in rebuking manifest iniquity as it became me to have been;¹ So was I not so indifferent a feeder as is required of Christs Steward: For in preaching Christs Gospel, albeit mine eye (as knoweth God) was not much upon worldly promotion, yet the love of friends, and carnal affection of some men with whom I was most familiar, allured me to make more residence in one place then in another, having more respect to the pleasure of a few, then to the necessity of many. That day I thought I had not sinned, if I had not been idle; But this day I know it was my duty to have had consideration how long I had remained in one place, and how many hungry souls were in other places, to whom alas none took pain to break and distribute the bread of Life.

As I was not so fervent in rebuking manifest iniquity as it became me to have been;¹ So was I not so indifferent a feeder as is required of Christs Steward: For in preaching Christs Gospel, albeit mine eye (as knoweth God) was not much upon worldly promotion, yet the love of friends, and carnall affection of some men with whom I was most familiar, allured me to make more residence in one place then in another, having more respect to the pleasure of a few, then to the necessity of many. That day I thought I had not sinned, if I had not been idle; But this day I know it was my duty to have had consideration how long I had remained in one place, and how many hungry souls were in other places, to whom alas none took pain to break and distribute the bread of Life.

1. 1Preachers ought to feed Christs Flock.Preachers oug•t to feed Christs Flock.

Moreover, remaining in one place I was not so diligent as mine Office required; but sometime by counsel of carnal friends I spared the body; sometime I spent in worldly business of particular friends; and sometime in taking recreation and pastime by exercise of the body.