10. One point more, whoever engages in this design should have deeply imprest on his heart, namely, that the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Let him therefore learn of him who was meek as well as lowly. And let him abide in meekness as well as humility: With all lowliness and meekness, let him walk worthy of the vocation wherewith he is called. Let him be gentle toward all men, good or bad, for his own sake, for their sake, for Christ’s sake. Are any ignorant and out of the way? Let him have compassion upon them. Do they even oppose the word and the work of God, yea set themselves in battle array against it? So much the more hath he need, in meekness to instruct those who thus oppose themselves, if haply they may awake out of the snare of the devil, and no more be taken captive at his will.
IV. 1. From the qualifications of those who are proper to engage in such an undertaking as this, I proceed to shew, fourthly, With what spirit, and in what manner, it ought to be pursued. First, with what spirit. Now this first regards the motive which is to be preserved, in every step that is taken. For if at any time the light which is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness? But if thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. This is therefore continually to be remembred, and carried into every word and action. Nothing is to be spoke or done, either great or small, with a view to any temporal advantage: nothing with a view to the favour or esteem, the love or the praise of men. But the intention, the eye of the mind is always to be fixt on the glory of God and good of man.
2. But the Spirit with which every thing is to be done, regards the temper, as well as the motive. And this is no other than that, which has been described above. For the same courage, patience, steddiness, which qualify a man for the work, are to be exercised therein. Above all, let him take the shield of faith: this will quench a thousand fiery darts. Let him exert all the faith which God has given him, in every trying hour. And let all his doings be done in love: never let this be wrested from him. Neither must many waters quench this love, nor the floods of ingratitude drown it. Let likewise that lowly mind be in him, which was also in Christ Jesus. Yea, and let him be cloathed with humility, filling his heart, and adorning his whole behaviour. At the same time, let him put on bowels of mercies, gentleness, long-suffering: avoiding the least appearance of malice, bitterness, anger or resentment; knowing, it is our calling, not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good. In order to preserve this humble, gentle love, it is needful to do all things with recollection of spirit, watching against all hurry, or dissipation of thought, as well as against pride, wrath, or surliness. But this can be no otherwise preserved, than by continuing instant in prayer, both before and after he comes into the field; and during the whole action; and by doing all in the spirit of sacrifice, offering all to God, thro’ the Son of his love.
3. As to the outward manner of acting, a general rule is, let it be expressive of these inward tempers. But to be more particular. 1. Let every man beware, not to do evil that good may come. Therefore putting away all lying, let every man speak the truth to his neighbour. Use no fraud or guile, either in order to detect or to punish any man, but by simplicity or godly sincerity commend yourself to mens consciences in the sight of God. It is probable, that by your adhering to these rules, fewer offenders will be convicted. But so much the more will the blessing of God accompany the whole undertaking.
4. But let innocence be joined with prudence, properly so called. Not that offspring of hell, which the world calls prudence, which is mere craft, cunning, dissimulation: but with that wisdom from above, which our Lord peculiarly recommends, to all who would promote his kingdom upon earth. Be ye therefore wise as serpents, while ye are harmless as doves. This wisdom will instruct you, how to suit your words and whole behaviour, to the persons with whom you have to do, to the time, place, and all other circumstances. It will teach you to cut off occasion of offence, even from those who seek occasion, and to do things of the most offensive nature, in the least offensive manner that is possible.
5. Your manner of speaking, particularly to offenders, should be at all times deeply serious, (lest it appear like insulting or triumphing over them) rather inclining to sad: shewing that you pity them, for what they do, and sympathize with them in what they suffer. Let your air and tone of voice, as well as words, be dispassionate, calm, mild: yea, where it would not appear like dissimulation, even kind and friendly. In some cases, where it will probably be received as it is meant, you may profess the good-will you bear them: but at the same time, (that it may not be thought to proceed from fear, or any wrong inclination) professing your intrepidity and inflexible resolution, to oppose and punish vice to the uttermost.
V. 1. It remains only to make some application of what has been said, partly to you who are already engaged in this work, partly to all that fear God, and more especially to them that love as well as fear him.
With regard to you, who are already engaged in this work, the first advice I would give you is, calmly and deeply to consider, the nature of your undertaking. Know what you are about; be throughly acquainted with what you have in hand. Consider the objections which are made to the whole of your undertaking. And before you proceed, be satisfied that those objections have no real weight. Then may every man act, as he is fully persuaded in his own mind.
2. I advise you, secondly, be not in haste, to increase your number. And in adding thereto, regard not wealth, rank, or any outward circumstance. Only regard the qualifications above described. Enquire diligently, Whether the person proposed be of an unblamable carriage, and whether he be a man of faith, courage, patience, steddiness? Whether he be a lover of God and man? If so, he will add to your strength as well as number. If not, you will lose by him more than you gain. For you will displease God. And be not afraid to purge out from among you, any who do not answer the preceding character. By thus lessening your number, you will increase your strength: you will be vessels meet for your master’s use.
3. I would, thirdly, advise you, narrowly to observe from what motive, you at any time act or speak. Beware that your intention be not stained, with any regard either to profit or praise. Whatever you do, do it to the Lord, as the servants of Christ. Do not aim at pleasing yourself in any point, but pleasing him whose you are, and whom you serve. Let your eye be single, from first to last: eye God alone in every word and work.