188 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. P. It is not thrusting himself upon another, provided he cometh called ? F. Indeed, if the minister had nothing more to do than to preach a sermon or two a week, this might be pleaded ; but seeing he must visit the sick, comfort the mourners, strengthen the weak, and admonish and instruct all from house to house, through the whole of his charge, I warrant you he will have little desire, and less leisure, to preach in other men's cures. P. It is said, in the acts of the apostles, that when the apostles laboured to appease the contention betwixt the Greeks and the Jews, deaconswere chosen to provide for the poor, that they might give themselves to prayer, and the ministry of the word. W. That is not contrary, to what my brother bath said, but serveth very aptly to confirm it ; for there the Holy Ghost includes their whole office in two, particular duties. And if the apostles didwell in communicating the temporal part of their office to others, that they might give them- selves the more to prayer and preaching, what can we judge of those who unite civil functions to their ecclesias- tical offices ? But a wandering ministry is to be avoided, because it is an ignorant and unlearned ministry, the refor- mation of which, with the banishment of the pope's canon law, we have particularly set forth in our late book. And because it is directly contrary both to reason and scripture. P. I wish to hear that reason, and see that scripture. F. You know that a father bath much regard for his children, because they are nearly related to him : so, on the same account, bath a pastor for the children of his flock, And the scripture saith, c= Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost bath made you overseers, to feed the church of God. Feed the flock of God which is among you." P. May I not then preach in other men's charges;? F. Upon certain conditions you may. P. If I see the people lacking instruction, and out of compassion preach to them, do you thinkI do evil ? F. It is not for us to condemn another man's servant : to his own master he standeth or falleih. Yet you will do well to take heed to your own. calling. But having your own flock, and interineddling with other mens' charges, which God hath not 'commanded, you do not well. If, indeed, there be a defection among the chUrches, either in faith or practice, and God stir you up by an extraordinary
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