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it be added, that every minister study the ancient canons of the church, especially the penitentials of the eastern and western churches: let him read good books, such as are approved by public authority; such which are useful, wise, and holy; not the scribblings of unlearned parties, but of men learned, pious, obedient, and disinterested; and amongst these, such especially which describe duty and good life, which minister to faith and charity, to piety and devotion; cases of conscience, and solid expositions of scripture. Concerning which learned and wise persons are to be consulted.

LXXXI. Let not a curate of souls trouble himself with any studies but such which concern his own or his people's duty; such as may enable him to speak well, and to do well; but to meddle not with controversies, but such by which he may be enabled to convince the gainsayers in things that concern public peace and a good life.

LXXXII. Be careful in all the public administrations of your parish, that the poor be provided for. Think it no. shame to beg for Christ's poor members; stir up the people to liberal alms by your word and your example. Let a collection be made every Lord's day, and upon all solemn meetings, and at every communion; and let the collection be wisely and piously administered: ever remembering, that at the day of judgment nothing shall publicly be proclaimed, but the reward of alms and mercy.

LXXXIII. Let every minister be sure to lay up a treasure of comforts and advices, to bring forth for every man's need in the day of his trouble; let him study and heap together instruments and advices for the promoting of every virtue, and remedies and arguments against every vice; let him teach his people to make acts of virtue not only by external exercise, but also in the way of prayer and internal meditation.

In these and all things else that concern the minister's duty, if there be difficulty, you are to repair to your bishop for further advice, assistance, and information.

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A

DISCOURSE

OF THE

PASTORAL CARE.

WRITTEN BY THE

RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN GOD,

GILBERT,

LORD BISHOP OF SARUM.

CONTENTS.

Chap.

1. Of the dignity of sacred employments, and the names and designations given to them in scripture.

2. Of the rules set down in scripture for those that minister in holy things, and of the corruptions that are set forth in them.

3. Passages out of the New Testament relating to the same matter.

4. Of the sense of the primitive church in this matter. 5. An account of some canons in divers ages of the church relating to the duties and labours of the clergy. 6. Of the declared sense and rules of the church of England in this matter.

7. Of the due preparation of such as may and ought to be put in orders.

8. Of the functions and labours of clergymen. 9. Concerning preaching.

The conclusion.

10. Of presentation to benefices, and simony.

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