The child's portion, or, The unseen glory of the children of God asserted and…

5. To the Reverend Elders, the Messengers of Christ, that you be faithful to God, to this People, and to your own Souls: in particular much to study and preach the sins of the times and places you live in. God hath placed us as Watch-men to descry danger, and give due warning of approaching evil. Let us be faithful in our places, vigilant in our work, much in contemplation, seeking to find out the mind of God, and not afraid with boldness to declare it though the times may seem hardly to resent us. We have an account to give for Souls and God will demand of us what is become of those who were committed to our charge. Above all let us take care to do as we say, and be ensamples to the Flocks: It may be, by this means you shall not only save your selves, but also those that hear you. Beware of being Idol-Shepherds; they are evil times we live in, men love to be let alone and encouraged in sin, but let us have no fellowship with their works of darkness, but rather reprove them. In all your dealings with men be plain and faithful: Some may for that say with Ahab, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? But be not angry but compassionate, and mourn in secret for them. Let us study to be men of ⟨p. 195⟩knowledge, fixed in principles, holy in conversation, in a word, let us do all we can (more than we do) if it be possible, to save a Generation from the wrath of God, and impending Calamities: Let us be still more plain, more particular, more serious in this great work.

5. To the Reverend Elders, the Messengers of Christ, that you be faithful to God, to this People, and to your own Souls: in particular much to study and preach the sins of the times and places you live in. God hath placed us as Watch-men to descry danger, and give due warning of approaching evil. Let us be faithful in our places, vigilant in our work, much in contemplation, seeking to find out the mind of God, and not afraid with boldness to declare it though the times may seem hardly to resent us. We have an account to give for Souls and God will demand of us what is become of those who were committed to our charge. Above all let us take care to do as we say, and be ensamples to the Flocks: It may be, by this means you shal not only save your selves, but also those that hear you. Beware of being Idol-Shepherds; they are evil times we live in, men love to be let alone and encouraged in sin, but let us have no fellowship with their works of darkness, but rather reprove them. In all your dealings with men be plain and faithful: Some may for that say with Ahab, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? But be not angry but compassionate, and mourn in secret for them. Let us study to be men of