Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…

It consists in three things. First, Let every one feed ¹his own flock; it is best for the mother to feed her own child, while it is done by step-mothers its not so well done, because they want natural love, the opinion of propriety makes them more careful, and that which is most remarkable is, that the want of large wages doth not discourage from it, and it is not substitutes and proxies that shall give account for the sheep, but the shepherd himself.

It consists in three things. First, Let every one feed ¹his own flock; it is best for the mother to feed her own childe, while it is done by step-mothers its not so well done, because they want natural love, the opinion of propriety makes them more careful, and that which is most remarkable is, that the want of large wages doth not discourage from it, and it is not substitutes and proxies that shall give account for the sheep, but the shepherd himself.

1. 1Answ.

Secondly, Let it be frequently done, not once a quarter, or once a month, The people are weak, therefore they must be fed with a little and often, line, upon line, precept, upon precept, for weak stomachs will not bear much at a time, but it is best to give them often and a little, hence it was that Paul, 2 Tim. 4. charged Timothy before God, and our Lord Jesus Christ to be instant in season. See what Canons the Counsels have induced hence, and thou shalt find to preach ⟨p. 298⟩in season, and out of season, is to preach twice every Sabbath day, when the people meet together, for then it is seasonable to instruct them, and not to let them go away without their food. And out of season is as oft as opportunity is offered, and the Minister is able.