The saints everlasting rest

And thus I have opened to you the first and great part of this duty, consisting in private exhortation, for the helping of poor souls to this rest, that have yet no title to it; and I have showed you also the manner how to perform it. I will now speak a little of the next part.

And thus I have opened to you the first and great part of this duty, consisting in private exhortation, for the helping of poor souls to this rest, that have yet no title to it; and I have shewed you also the manner how to perform it. I will now speak a little of the next part.

1. Besides the duty of private admonition, you must do your utmost endeavours to help men to profit by the public ordinances. And to that end, First, do your endeavours for the procuring of faithful ministers where they are wanting. This is GOD'S ordinary means of converting and saving. How shall they hear without a preacher? Not only for your own sakes herefore, but for the poor miserable ones about you, do all you can to bring this to pass. Improve all your interest and diligence to this end. Ride, and go, and seek, and make friends till you prevail. Who knoweth how many souls may bless you, who have been converted by the ministry which you have procured? It is an higher and nobler work of charity, than if you gave all that you have to relieve their bodies.

How small a matter were it (and yet how excellent a work) for every gentleman of means in England, to cull out some one or two, or more poor boys in the country schools, who are the choicest wits, and of the most pious dispositions, who are poor and unable to proceed in learning; and to maintain them till they are sit for the ministry? It were but keeping a few superfluous attendants the less, if they had hearts to it, it were easily spared out of their rich apparel, or superfluous diet, I dare say, they would not be sorry for it when they come to their reckoning: one sumptuous