XIV. TAKE YOUR COMPANY ALONG.

IT is no disgrace for such who have the gift and grace of extemporary prayer sometimes to use a set form, for the benefit and 155behoof of others. Jacob, though he could have marched on at a man’s pace, yet was careful not to over-drive the children and ewes big with young. [Gen. xxxiii. 13.] Let ministers remember to bring up the rear in their congregations, that the meanest may go along with them in their devotions.

God would have created the world extempore, in a moment, but was pleased (as I may say) to make it premeditately, in a set method of six days, not for his own ease, but our instruction, that our heads and hearts might the better keep pace with his hands, to behold and consider his workmanship.

Let no man disdain to set his own nimbleness backward, that others may go along with him. Such degrading one’s self is the quickest proceeding in piety, when men prefer the edification of others before their own credit and esteem.