“The number and distance of the inhabitants, (says he) gave me a very sensible concern, and I was very uneasy under the burden that lay upon me: I knew not what to do for so many souls, that were also most of them so remote from my dwelling, nor how to discharge my duty in a place, that (as a learned, pious, and worthy clergyman, my friend told me) was as large as some of the dioceses of the primitive church. Catechising, and preaching to such as would come under them, was not all I had to do. But I could not forbear being concerned with such as would bring their children to baptism, or offer themselves to the Lord’s Table, how to carry it, and answer the Church’s expectations, with satisfaction to my mind, and fidelity to my highest trust. In catechising and preaching, I could suit myself, my doctrine, and discourse to the condition of the people; but (by the rules and orders of my publick station) in administering sacraments and applying the seals, (especially baptism) I saw I must treat them all alike. Yet if catechising and preaching be to prepare men for sacraments for themselves or theirs, it undeniably supposeth, that the _latter_ are not to be given to such in whom the _former_ hath no effect, nor to their children. Qualifications for privileges I knew were necessary, but where _those_ were wanting, it was impossible I should apply _these_ without a relucting mind: and therefore whatever I might have been in the capacity of a lecturer, or bare preacher, yet as a _pastor_ it could not be, that I should be unconcerned in acts of discipline and government, and in judging of my own ministerial performances of that kind.”