164 THE DUTY OF GOD'S PEOPLE All seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's, "(p) and their brethren's. With many, pride is a great impediment. If it were to speak with a great man, and it would not displease him, they would do it. But to go among the poor, and take pains with them in their cottages; where is the per- son that will do it! Many will rejoice at being in- strumental to convert a gentleman, (and they have good reason) but overlook the multitude, as if the souls of all were not alike to God. Alas ! these men little consider how low Christ stooped to us ! Few rich, and noble, and wise, are called. It is the poor that receive the glad tidings of the gospel. And with some their ignorance of the duty hindereth them from performing it. Either they know it not to be a duty, or at least not to be their duty. If this be thy case, reader, I am in hope that thou art not acquainted with thy duty, and will set upon it. § 9. Do not object to this duty, that you are unable to manage an exhortation ; but either set those on the work who are more able, or faithfully and hum- bly use the small ability you have, and tell them as a weak man may do, what God says in his word. Decline not the duty, because it is your superior who needs advice and exhortation. Order must be dis- pensed with in cases of necessity. 'Though it be a husband, a parent, a minister, you must teach him in such a case. If parents are in want, children must relieve them. If a husband be sick, the wife. must fill up his place in "family affairs.' If the rich are re- duced to beggary, they must receive charity. If the physician be sick, somebody must look to him. So the meanest servant must admonish his master, and the child his parent, and the wife;her husband, and the people their minister so that it be done when there is real need, and with all possible humility, modesty, and meekness. Do not say, this will make us all preachers : for every good Christian is a teacher, and bath a charge of his neighbour's soul. Every (p) Phil. ii. 21.
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