Direct. I. Sound doctrine: let those who are their instructors, inculcate the wholesome principles of godliness; which are, self-denial, mortification, the love of God and man, the hopes of heaven, universal, absolute obedience to God; and all this by faith in Jesus Christ, according to the holy Scriptures. Instead of novelties, or vain janglings, and perverse disputings, teach them these principles here briefly named, over and over a hundred times; open these plainly, till they are well understood. There are the necessary, saving things; this is the doctrine which is according to godliness, which will make sound christians, of sound judgments, sound hearts, sound conversations, and sound consciences! God sanctifieth his chosen ones by these truths.
Direct. II. Therefore do your best to help others to the benefit of able and faithful pastors and instructors. A fruitful soil is not better for your seed, nor a good pasture for your horse or cattle, nor wholesome diet for yourselves, than such instructors are for your neighbours' souls. If you love them, you should be more desirous to help them to good teachers, or plant them under a sound and powerful ministry, than to procure them any worldly benefits. One time or other the word may prevail with them. It is hopeful to be still in mercy's way.
Direct. III. The concord of their teachers among themselves, is a great help to the saving of the flock. "That they all may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me," John xvii. 21, 25. Concord much furthereth reverence and belief; and consequently men's salvation (so it be a holy concord).
Direct. IV. The concord also of godly, private christians hath the same effect. When the ignorant see here a sect and there a sect, and hear them condemning one another, it teacheth them to contemn them all, and think contemptibly of piety itself; but concord layeth an awe upon them.
Direct. V. The blameless, humble, loving, heavenly lives of christians, is a powerful means of winning souls. Preach therefore every one of you, by such a conversation to all your neighbours, whom you desire to save.
Direct. VI. Keep those whom you would save in a humble, patient, learning posture; and keep them from proud wranglings, and running after novelties and sects. The humble learner takes root downward, and silently groweth up to wisdom; but if once they grow self-conceited, they turn to wranglings, and place their religion in espoused, singular opinions, and in being on this or that side or church; and fall into divided congregations, where the business is to build up souls by destroying charity, and teaching sectaries to overvalue themselves, and despise dissenters; till at last they run themselves out of breath, and perhaps fall out with all true religion.
Direct. VII. Do what you can to place them in good families, and when they are to be married, to join them to such as are fit to be their helpers. In families and relations of that sort, people are so near together, and in such constant converse, that it will be very much of the help or hinderance of their salvation.
Direct. VIII. Keep them also as much as is possible in good company, and out of bad, seducing company; especially those that are to be their familiars. The world's experience telleth us what power company hath, to make men better or worse: and what a great advantage it is to work any thing on men's minds, to have interest in them, and intimacy with them; especially with those that are yet to receive their deepest impressions.
Direct. IX. Keep them from the most dangerous baits, opportunities, and temptations to sensuality. Withdraw the tinder and gunpowder from the fire. There is no curing a drunkard ordinarily in an alehouse or tavern, nor a fornicator while he is near the objects of his lust, nor a glutton at a full, enticing table. Set them at a farther distance from the danger, if you would have them safe. Nemo diu tutus periculo proximus. Senec.
Direct. X. Take the advantage of their personal afflictions, or any other notable warnings that are near them. Keep them oft in the house of mourning, where death may be as in their sight; and keep them out of the house of foolish mirth. The time of sickness is an awakening time, and powerfully openeth the ear to counsel. The sight of the dead or dying persons, the hearing of sick men's wishes and complaints, the sight of graves and dead men's bones, (if not too oft to make it customary,) doth often force the most foolish and obstinate to some man-like, profitable thoughts; when the noise of foolish mirth and sports, at rabble-meetings, stage-plays, and May-games, riotings, or immoderate, rude, or tempting plays, do kill all sober, saving motions, and undispose the mind to all that is good. Though seasonable and useful delights are lawful, yet such as are unseasonable, immoderate, insnaring, scandalous, or unprofitable, are pernicious and poison to the soul.