good may be expected from thence: for it is the means which God hath sanctified for good. But if they be grown to ripe years, choose such as fear God, such were they upon whom David cast his eyes (Psa 101:6). On this ground did S. Paul advise Philemon to take Onesimus again (Phile 10), because grace was then wrought in his heart. 1. God's fear is the ground of all good obedience and faithfulness: note the examples of such good and faithful servants as are commented in Scripture, and you shall find them all to fear God. 2. Such will not only be diligent in their work, but they will also faithfully call upon God to prosper those things which they take in hand in their master's behalf, instance the example of Abraham's servant (Gen 24:12). 3. God will have such respect unto those servants which fear his name, as for their sakes to bless their master's house. Thus was Potiphar's house blessed for Joseph's sake (Gen 39:5). 2. Make some trial of their fitness to that calling, work and service whereunto thou shalt put them. From such there may be hope of profit and benefit by their service. Laban made trial of Jacob a month before he covenanted for any long continuance (Gen 29:14). 3. Take such especially as are of mean and poor estate, and know not how to maintain themselves but by service. Thus will a double work of charity be done therein: and thus mayest thou look for better service: for commonly such are most industrious, and most obedient to their masters.
Object. When men have taken all the care they can in their choice, they may be deceived. Answ. 1. Then much more likely is it, that if they be careless therein, they shall be deceived. 2. Diligent, and wise search, is a means to find out the disposition and ability of servants. 3. If having used the means men be deceived, they may have the more comfort in bearing the cross, because they have not wittingly or carelessly pulled it upon themselves. 3. Of masters' carelessness in choosing servants. Contrary is their carelessness, who are ready to receive any into their house, even atheists, papists, swearers, swaggerers, profane wretches, unclean persons, and such like, against whom David protesteth, he would not have him that worketh deceit to dwell in his house; nor him that telleth lies to tarry in his sight (Psa 101:7). They who entertain such, make their houses to be cages of unclean birds, seminaries of wicked persons, and unprofitable members: for one scabbed sheep is enough to infect a whole flock. No marvel though many mischiefs fall upon such a family: for a man were as good bring so many snakes and adders into his house, as such persons: yea with them is brought God's curse. Can any good then be looked for? Such foolish masters regard neither themselves, nor their household: no nor yet Church or Commonwealth. If none would entertain such, it might be a means to make them alter their condition. Many are not only careless in choosing good servants, but also except against such as are religious; thinking it a matter of reproach to entertain them. By which conceit they oft put away God's blessing from their house. Others so stand upon a great portion of money with a prentice, or a clerk, or other servant, as they will take none but rich men's children. Whence it cometh to pass, that this point [which is a great point] of charity is neglected: persons most unfit for service are entertained, and such many times as scorn to do service. Thus their masters grow weary of them: the servants lose their time: never prove to be their crafts-masters: and their parents repent the giving of such a portion with them. 4. Of masters maintaining their authority. After that masters have chosen good servants, their duty is well to use them: which by reason of the difference betwixt masters and servants cannot be well done, except masters wisely maintain their authority. A master therefore must be able well to rule his own house (1 Tim 3:4): this is a duty which the Apostle in particular requireth of a bishop, who is master of an