BUNYAN. Nay, sir, said I, but it is most clear that the apostle
speaks here of preaching the word: if you do but compare both the
verses together, the next verse explains this gift what it is;
saying, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;" so
that it is plain that the Holy Ghost doth not so much in this place
exhort to civil callings, as to the exercising of those gifts that
we have received from God. I would have gone on, but he would not
give me leave.
KEELING. He said we might do it in our families, but not otherwise.
BUNYAN. I said, if it was lawful to do good to some, it was lawful
to do good to more. If it was a good duty to exhort our families, it
is good to exhort others; but if they held it a sin to meet together
to seek the face of God, and exhort one another to follow Christ, I
should sin still; for so we should do.
KEELING. He said he was not so well versed in scripture as to
dispute, or words to that purpose. And said, moreover, that they
could not wait upon me any longer; but said to me, Then you confess
the indictment; do you not? Now, and not till now, I saw I was
indicted.
BUNYAN. I said, This I confess: we have had many meetings together
both to pray to God and to exhort one another, and we have had the
sweet comforting presence of the Lord among us for encouragement;
blessed be his name therefor.
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