Watts - BX5200 .W3 1813 v.4

SECTION IV. 627 and particularly improve the younger parts of mankind, who are the hopes of the next generation. Make the lambs of the flock love you, and hear your voice with delight, that they may grow up under your instruction to fill up the room of their fathers When they are called away to heaven : nor let servants be utter- ly neglected, where providence may afford you an opportunity to speak a word to their souls. Learn what are the spiritual circumstances of the families whom you visit, and address them with a word in season where you can have proper opportunity. Conversepersonally with them (it' you can) about their eternal concerns. Let the ease and gen- tleness of your addresses to them, in a natural and familiar way, take off all that shy and bashful tincture from their minds, that is ready to prevent their uttering a word about the concern of their souls. Enquire tenderly into their state with regard to God : draw' sinners by words of compassion to repent of their crimes, to return to God, and to trust in Jesus the Saviour. Teachehristians.sincerely to love and practise duty, and to en- durewith honour the trials of life. Teach them to be sick and die as becomes thedisciples of Christ. 'Treasure up your own experiences of divine things, not only as matters of delightful review in your own retirements, and for the encouragement of your own hope, but as lessons to be taught your people upon all proper occasions. Whether you are afflicted, or whether you are ;cnnforted, let it be for their consolation and salvation; 2Cor. ï. 6. A minister, whose business and known employment is to speak of the things of God, should never be ashamed to im- part divine knowledge, or to exhort to holiness with his lips, and to preach the word of the gospel of grace, whether the world calls it in season or out of season; 2 Tim. iv. 1. He that has the happy talent of parlour preaching., has sometimes done more for Christ and souls in the space of a few minutes, than by the labour of many hours and days in the usual course of preaching in the pulpit. Our character should be all of ä piece, and we should help forward the success of our publicministrations by our private addresses to the hearts and consciences of men, where providence favours us with just occasions. In order to promote this work of particular watchfulness over the flock of Christ, where he has made you a shepherd and overseer, it is useful to keep a catalogue of their names, and now And then review themwith a pastoral eye and affection. This will awaken and incline you to lift up proper petitions foreach of them, so far as you are acquainted with their circumstances in body or mind, This will excite you to give thanks to God on account of those who walk as becomes the gospel, and who have R ti

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