5PIItITtYAL PEACD AND COMFOtt1'. 449 for our good ; that so every member of the body may have need ofanother, and each be useful to the other. An independency of Christian upon Christian, is most unchristian ; much more of peo- ple on their guides. it ceaseth to be a member, which is sepa- rated from the body ; andito make no use of the body or fellow members, is next to separation from them. Sometimes bashful- ness is the cause, sometimes self -confidence, (a far worse cause ;) but whatever is the causeof Christians smothering their doubts, the effectsare oft sad. The disease is oft gone so far, that the cure is very difficult, before some bashful, or proud, or tender patients will open their disease. The very opening of a man's *grief to a faithful friend doth oft ease the heart of itself. (2.) And that this should be done to your pastor, I will show you anon. 2. But you must understand well when this is your duty. (I.) Not in every small infirmity, which accompanies Christians in their daily, most watchful codversation. Nor yet in every lesser doubt, which may be otherwise resolved. It is a folly and a wrong to physicians to run to them for evecy cut finger or prick with a pin. Every neighbor can help you in this: .(2.) Noi except it be a weighty case indeed, go not first to a minister. But first study the case yourself, and seek God's direction : if that will not serve, open your case to your nearest bosom friend that is godly and judi- cious. (3.) And in these two cases always go to your pastor. In case More private means can do you no good, then God calls you to seek further. If a cut finger so fester that ordinary means will not cure it, you must go to the physician, if the case be weighty and dangerous ; for then none but the more prudent advice is to be trusted. Ifyou be struck with a dangerous disease, I would not have you delay so long, nor wrong yourself so much, as. to stay while you tamper with every woman's medicine, but go presently to the physician. So, if you either fall into any grievous sin, or any terrible. pangs' of conscience, or, any great straits and dif- ficulties about matters of doctrine or practice, go presently to your pastor for advice. The devil, and pride, and bashfulness, will do . their utmost to.hinder you;, but see that they prevail not. 3. Next consider to what end you must do this. IQot, (1.) Ei- ther to expect that a minister can of himselfcreate peace in. you ; or that all your doubts' should vanish as soon as ever you have opened your mind. Only the great Peace-maker, the Prince of peace, can create peace in you : ascribe riot to any theoffice ofthe Holy Ghost, to be your effectual comforter. To expect more from man than belongs to man, is the way to receive nothing from him, but to cause God to blast to you the best endeavors. (2.) Nor must you resolve to take all merely from the word of your pastor, as if he were infallible; nor absolutely to judge of yourself as he VOL. i. 57
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