←1429
←1429
See his Life, p. 37. and his Essays To Do Good. See also the Life of Pliny Fisk, pp. 31, 32. Dr. Doddridge’s exercises on this subject, on his return from an ordination, are most deeply interesting—‘I have many cares and troubles: may God forgive me that I am so apt to forget those of the Pastoral office! I now resolve, 1. To take a more particular account of the souls committed to my care. 2. To visit, as soon as possible, the whole congregation, to learn more particularly their circumstances, their children, and servants. 3. Will make as exact a list as I can of those that I have reason to believe are unconverted, awakened, converted, fit for communion, or already in it. 4. When I hear anything particular, relating to the religious state of my people, I will visit them and talk with them. 5. I will especially be careful to visit the sick. I will begin immediately with inspection over those under my own roof, that I may with greater freedom urge other families to similar care. O my soul! Your account is great: it is high time that it be put into better order. Lord, I hope you know I am desirous of approving myself a faithful servant of You and of souls. O watch over me, that I may watch over them; and then all will be well.’ Orton’s Life, ch. v.