But it is objected, 1. This course will take up so much time, that we shall have no time to follow our studies. I answer, 1. Gaining knowledge is a good thing; but saving souls is a better. 2. By this very thing you will gain the most excellent knowledge of God and eternity. 3. But you will have abundant time for gaining other knowledge too, if you spend all your mornings therein. Only sleep not more than you need; talk not more than you need; and never be idle, nor triflingly employed. But 4. If you can do but one, either follow your studies or instruct the ignorant; let your studies alone; I would throw by all ♦_the libraries_ in the world, rather than be guilty of the perdition of one soul. ♦ italicize “the libraries” per Errata It is objected, II. “The people will not submit to it.” If some do not, others will gladly. And the success with them may be so much as to repay all our labour. O let us herein follow the example of St. _Paul_. 1. For our general business, _Serving the Lord with all humility of mind_. 2. Our special work, _Take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock_. 3. Our doctrine, _Repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ_. 4. The place and manner of teaching, _I have taught you publickly, and from house to house_. 5. The object and internal manner, _I ceased not to warn every one, night and day, with tears_. This it is that must win souls and preserve them. 6. His innocency and self-denial for the advantage of the gospel, _I have coveted no man’s silver or gold_. 7. His patience, _Neither count I my life dear unto myself_. And among all our motives, these should be ever before our eyes: 1. _The church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood._ 2. _Grievous wolves shall enter in: yea, of your ownselves shall men arise speaking perverse things._ Write all this upon your hearts, and it will do you more good than twenty years study of lower things.