13S EXCITEMENT TO SEER [Chap. J. sometimes makes men our enemies. Besides, it seldom succeeds at the first, except it be followed on. You must be long teaching the ignorant, and persuading the obsti- nate. We consider not what patience God used toward us when we were in our sins. Wo to us, if God had been as Impatient with us as we are with others. Another hinder- ance is, self-seeking. 'All seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's," and their brethren's. With many, pride is a great impediment. If it were to speak to 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 person that will do it ? Many will rejoice in being instrumental 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 ig- norance 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 thou art now acquainted with thy duty, and wilt set upon it. Do not object to this duty, that you are unable to ma- nage an exhortation ; but either set those on the work who are more able, or faithfully and humbly use the small abi- lity 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 dispensed 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 reduced 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 hus- band, 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 everygood Christian is a teacher, and has a charge of his neighbor's soul. Every man is a physician, when a regular physician cannot be had, and when the hurt
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=