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_.