3 6 2 Prudence necegary in converting SERM. treat with great caution and tendernefs; not XIV. to throw them out fo promifcuoufy on all LY" occafions as may expofe them to contempt : but by all means make a choice of the perfons with whom they have communication upon fuch points, that fo their honour and dignity may be preferved. It is to be obferved, that when the apoftles were fent out to preach the gofpel, as unconfined as their commit ion was, and they fuitably furnifhed for executing it with a power of working miracles and extraordinary divine illumination, yet their mailer gives it them in charge to make a diffinftion among men in applying to them. They were not immediately to accost all per - fons they faw with their meffage from hea- ven, but make diligent inquiry in every place they came to, who in it were worthy; that is, who were men of probity and candor, that it might be expefted would give a fair hearing to the gofpel of the kingdom of God. Agreeable to this was St. Paul's condui *, when after fourteen years tra- vels and continual labours in the conver- fion of the Gentiles, he returned to feru- falem by revelation, or by the immediate direction of God's fpirit ; he communicated the gofpel which he preached, that is, pure * Gal. ii. Chriflianity
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=