The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature…

I wish, That like a faithful Shepherd, ⁵I may often visit my flock, and warn every one night and day with tears; and not as a careless non-Resident, expose them to the rage and cruelty of the devouring Wolf, by my absence from them, or by ⟨p. 512⟩my negligence when present among them; lest another day, when its too late, they cry to me, and complain of me, Sir, if thou hadst been here, our Souls had not dyed. The Priest under the Law, visited the suspected or leprous houses, enquired how it was with them; and as he found it, so gave sentence. O that I might under the Gospel, visit diseased hearts, and diligently enquire how things stand betwixt the great God, and their poor souls, and give them suitable, savoury and profitable advice. Though I therefore desire a great Auditory, because among many Fish, there is the greater probability that the baits of the Gospel will take and catch some; yet therefore I should desire a small Parish, because thereby I am in the greater capacity to deal with every one in it in particular, about the concernments of their everlasting peace. Lord, let thy strict Command frequently come into my mind, I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and dead at his appearing, and his Kingdom: Preach the Word, be instant in season, and out of season, Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine, 2 Tim. 4.1, 2.

I wish, That like a faithful Shepherd, ⁵I may often visit my flock, and warn every one night and day with tears; and not as a careless non-Resident, expose them to the rage and cruelty of the devouring Wolf, by my absence from them, or by ⟨p. 512⟩my negligence when present among them; lest another day, when its too late, they cry to me, and complain of me, Sir, if thou hadst been here, our Souls had not dyed. The Priest under the Law, visited the suspected or leprous houses, enquired how it was with them; and as he found it, so gave sentence. O that I might under the Gospel, visit diseased hearts, and diligently enquire how things stand betwixt the great God, and their poor souls, and give them suitable, savoury and profitable advice. Though I therefore desire a great Auditory, because among many Fish, there is the greater probability that the baits of the Gospel will take and catch some; yet therefore I should desire a small Parish, because thereby I am in the greater capacity to deal with every one in it in particular, about the concernments of their everlasting peace. Lord, let thy strict Command frequently come into my minde, I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and dead at his appearing, and his Kingdom: Preach the Word, be instant in season, and out of season, Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine,