§ 7. (3.) Besides the duty of private admonition, you must endeavor to help men to profit by the public ordinances. In order to that, endeavor to procure for them faithful ministers, where they are wanting. _How shall they hear without a preacher?_[289] Improve your interest and diligence to this end, till you prevail. Extend your purses to the utmost. How many souls may be saved by the ministry you have procured? It is a higher and nobler charity, than relieving their bodies. What abundance of good might great men do, if they would support in academical education, such youth as they have first carefully chosen for their ingenuity and piety, till they should be fit for the ministry?—And when a faithful ministry is obtained, help poor souls to receive the fruit of it. Draw them constantly to attend it. Remind them often what they have heard, and if it be possible, let them hear it repeated in their families, or elsewhere. Promote their frequent meeting together, besides publicly in the congregation; not as a separate church, but as part of the church more diligent than the rest in redeeming time, and helping the souls of each other heaven-ward. Labor also to keep the ordinances, and ministry in esteem. No man will be much wrought on by that which he despiseth. An apostle says, _We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake_.[290]
[Footnote 289] Romans x, 14.
[Footnote 290] 1 Thessalonians v, 12, 13.