and yet there is a separation suitable to the mind of God he that will not separate from world and false-worship is a Separate from Christ Now the separation here commanded from any persons is not in respect of naturall affections nor spirituall care of the good of their souls Rom 9. 3. nor yet in respect of duties of Relation 1 Cor. 7. 13. nor yet in offices of love and civill converse 1 Cor. 5. 10. 1 Thess. 4. 12. much less in not seeking their good and prosperity 1 Tim. 2. 1. or not communicating good things unto them Gal. 6. 10. or living profitably and peaceably with them Rom. 12. 18. but in 1. Manner of walking and conversation Rom. 12. 2. Ephes. 4. 17 18 19. 2. Delightfull converse and familiarity where enmity and opposition appears Ephes. 5. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11. 3. In way of worship and ordinances of fellowship Rev. 18. 4. not running out into the same compass of excess and riot with them in anything for these 3. and the like commands and discoveries of the wil of God are most express as in the places annexed to the Rule necessity abundantly urgent spirituall profit and edification no less requiring it causeless separation from established Churches walking according to the order of the Gospel though perhaps failing in the practise of some things of small concernment is no small sin but separation from the sinfull practises and disorderly walkings and false unwarranted wayes of worship in any is to fulfill the precept of not partaking in other mens sins to delight in the company fellowship society and converse of unsavory disorderly persons proclaimes a spirit not indeared to Christ Let Motives hereunto be 1. Gods command 2. Our own preservation from sin and protection from punishment that with others we be not infected and plagued 3. Christs delight in the purity of his ordinances 4. His distinguishing love to his Saints provided that in the practise of this Rule abundance of meekness patience gentleness wisdome and tenderness be exercised let no offence be given justly to any RULE VI FRequent spiritual communication for edification according to gifts received Mal 3. 16. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another and the Lord hearkned and heard it and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and thought upon his Name Job 2. 11. Now when Jobs three friends heard al of this evil that was come upon him they â—ame every one from his owne place for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him Ephes. 4. 29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying that it may administer grace to the hearers Col. 4. 6. Let your speech be alwayes with grace seasoned with salt that you may know how to answer every man Eph. 5. 4. Neither filthiness nor foolish talking nor jesting which are not convenient but rather giving of thanks 1 Thess. 5. 11. Wherefore comfort your selves together and edifie one another as also ye doe Heb. 3. 13. Exhort one another daily whilest it is called to day lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulnesse of sinne Jude 20. Building up your selves in your most holy faith praying in the Holy Ghost Heb. 10. 24 25. Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works Not forsaking the assembling of our selves together us is the manner of some but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the day approaching Acts 18. 23. Whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard they took him unto them and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly 1 Cor. 12. 9. For the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withall EXPLIC. VI THat men not solemnly called and set apart to the office of publick teaching may yet be endued with usefull gifts for edification was before declared the not using of such gifts in an orderly way according to the rule and custome of the Churches is to napkin up the talent given to trade and profit withall that every man ought to labour that he may walk and dwell in knowledge in his family none doubts that we should also labour to do so in the Church or Family of God is no lesse apparent This the Scriptutes annexed to the rule declared which in an especial manner hold out prayer exhortation instruction from the Word and consolation now the performance of this duty of mutuall edification is incumbent to the Saints divers wayes 1. Ordinarily Ephes. 4. 29. chap. 5. 3 4. Heb. 3. 13. believers in their ordinary daily converse ought to be continually making mention of the Lord with savoury discourses tending to edification and not upon foolish light frothy speeches that are not convenient 2. Occasionally Luke 24. 14. Mal. 3. 1. 6. if any thing of weight and concernment to the Church be brought forth by providence a spiritual improvement of it by a due consideration amongst believers is required 3. By assembling of more together by appointment for prayer and instruction from the Word Acts 18. 23. Acts 12. 12. Job 2. 11. Ephes. 5. 19. James 5. 16. Jude 20. 1 Thess. 15. 14. This being a speciall ordinance and appointment of God for the increasing of knowledge love charity experience and the improving of gifts received every one contributing to the building of the Tabernacle let then all vain communication be farr away The time is short and the daies are evill let it suffice us that we have neglected so many precious opportunities of growing in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and doing good to one another let the remainder of our few and evill dayes be spent in living to him who dyed for us be not conformed to this world nor the men thereof RULE VII MUtually to bear with each others infirmities weaknesse tendernesse failings in meeknesse patience pity and with assistance Eph. 4. 32. Be ye kind one to another tender-hearted forgiving one another even as God for Christs sake hath forgiven you Matth. 18. 21. Then came Peter to him and said how oft shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him 22. Jesus said unto him I say not unto thee seven times but untill seventy times seven Mark 11. 25. And when you stand praying forgive if you have ought against any that your Father which is also in Heaven may forgive youy our trespasses v. 26. And if you do not forgive neither will your Father which is in Heaven forgive you your trespasses Rom. 14. 13. Let us not therefore judge one another any more but judge this rather that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brothers way seever 3. 4. Rom. 15. 1. We then that are strong ought to beare the infirmities of the weak and not to please our selves v. 2. let every one please his neighbor for the
this rule the maine whereof and here cheifly intended is that of Admonition whereunto the first is previous and conducing the latter in some cases consequent and attending Christians conversation whether you consider the glory of God and the Gospel therein concerned or the bonds of relation with those mutnall endearments wherein they stand ingaged and obligations that are upon them for the generall good and spirituall edification one of another ought to be watched marked and considered by each other not that we should curiously prie into one anothers failings much lesse maliciously search into doubtfull unknown things for the trouble or disparagement of our brethren both which are contrary to that love which thinketh not evill but covereth a multitude of faults but only out of a sense of the glory of God the honour of the Gospel and care of each others soules to observe their walking that what is exemplary therein may be followed what faileth may be directed what is a misse may be reproved that in all things God may be glorified and Christ exalted Now admonition is two-fold 1. Authoritative by the way of power 2. Fraternal by the way of love The 1. again is two-fold 1. Doctrinall by the way of teaching 2. Disciplinary which belongeth to the whole Church Of these we do not treat The latter also is two-fold Hortatory to encourage unto good and Monitory to reprove that which is amisse It is this last which is peculiarly aimed at and intended in the rule This then we assert as the duty of every Church-member towards them with whom he walks in fellowship to admonish any from the Word whom they perceive not walking in any thing with a right foot as becommeth the Gospel thereby to recover his soule to the right way that much caution and wisdome tendernesse and moderation is required in the persons performing this duty for want whereof it often degenerates from a peaceable remedy of evill into fuell for strife and debate Let them then who are called to perform this duty diligently consider these things 1. That in the whole action he transgresse not that rule of charity which we have 1 Cor. 13. 7. Gal. 6. 2. 2. Let him have peace at home by an assurance of constant labouring to cast out all beams and moates from his own eye Mat. 7. 5. 3. Let him so perform it that it may evidently appear that he hath no other aime but the glory of God and the good of his brother reproved all envy and rejoycing in evill being farr away 4. Let him be sure to draw his admonitions from the Word that the authority of God may appear therein and without a Word let him not presume to speak 5. Let all circumstances attending time place persons the like be duly weighed that all provocation in the least manner may be fully avoided 6. Let it be considered as an ordinance whereunto Christ hath an especiall regard 7. Let him carefully distinguish between personall injuries unto himselfe whose mention must have farr more of forgivenesse then reproof and other offences tending to publick scandall Lastly Let self-examination concerning the same or the like miscarriage alwaies accompany the brotherly admonition These and the like things being duly weighed let every brother with Christian courage admonish from the Word every one whom he judgeth to walk disorderly in any particular whatsoever not to suffer sin upon him being ready to receive content and satisfaction upon just defence or promised amendment and without this in case of just offence a man cannot be freed from the guilt of other mens sins Let also the person admonished with all Christian patience accept of the admonition without any more regret of spirit then he would have against him who should break the weapon wherwith he was in danger to be slain Considering 1. The authoritie of him who hath appointed it 2. The priviledg and mercy he enjoyeth by such a spirituall prevention of such a danger or cur of such an evill which perhaps himself did not discern 3. The dreadfull judgements which are every where threatned to dispisers of reproofs Prov. 29 â— and so thankfully accept just admonition from the meanest in the Congregation For the last or repairing unto the Church in case of not prevailing by private admonition our Saviour hath so plainly laid down both the manner and end of proceeding in Matth. 18. that it needeth no explanation only I shall observe that by Church there ver. 17. cannot be understood the Elders of the Church alone but rather the whole Congregation for if the offended brother should take with him two or three of the Elders unto the offender as he may then were they the Church and the Church should be told of the offence before the reproof hath been managed by two or three which is contrary to the rule RULE XV EXemplary walking in all holinesse and godlinesse of conversation to the glory of the Gospel edification of the Church and conviction of them which are without Psal. 24. 3. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord or who shal stand in his holy place He that hath clean hands and a pure heart who hath not lift up his soule unto vanity nor sworn deceitfully Matth. 5. 16. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good workes and glorifie your Father which is in heaven ver. 20. For I say unto you except your righteousnesse shall exceed the righteousnesse of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdome of heaven Matth. 21. 19. And when he saw a fig-tree in the way he came to it and found nothing thereon but leaves only and said unto it let no fruit grow on thee hence forward for ever c. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse our selves from all filthinesse of flesh spirit perfecting holinesse in the fear of God 2 Tim. 2. 19. And let every one that nameth the Name of Christ depart from iniquity Tit. 2. 11 12. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men teaching us that denying ungodlynesse and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world ver. 14. Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purifie unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works Ephes. 4. 21 22 23. If so be that ye have heard him and have beene taugt him as the truth is in Jesus That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitfull lusts And be renewed in the spirit of your mind 1 Pet. 3. 1 2. Likewise ye wives be in subjection to your own husbands that if any obey not the Word they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives While they behold your chast conversation coupled with feare Heb. 12. 14. Follow peace with all men and holinesse without which no man shall see the Lord Ephes. 5. 15 16. See then that ye walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise Redeeming the time because the dayes are evill 2 Sam. 12. 14. Howbeit because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme the child also that is borne unto thee shall surely die EXPLIC. XV HOliness becometh the house of the Lord for ever without it none shall see God Christ died to wash his Church to present it before his Father without spot or blemish to purchase unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works It is the Kingdome of God within us and by which it appeareth unto all that we are the Children of the Kingdome Let this then this be the great discriminating of the Church from the world that they are a holy humble self-denying people Our Master is holy his Doctrine and Worship holy Let us strive that our hearts may also be holy This is our wisedome towards them that are without whereby they may be gained or convinced this is the meanes whereby we build up one another most effectually Examples are a sharper way of instruction then Precepts Loose walking causing the Name of God to be blaspemed the little ones of Christ to be offended and his enemies to rejoyce is attended with most dreadfull woeâ— boâ—h that all who are called to an holy profession and do enjoy holy Ordinances did shine also in holynesse of conversation that those who accuse them as evill doers might have their mouths stopt and their hearts fil'd with shame to the glory of the Gospel To this generall head belongeth that wise walking in all patience meeknesse and long-suffering towards those that are without untill they evidently appear to be fighters against God when they are to be prayed for Hither also might be referred the patience of the Saints in all tribulations sufferings and persecutions for the Name of Christ Motives for the exercise of universall holinesse in acts internall and externall private and publick personall and of all relations are 1. The utter unsufficiency of the most precious Ordinances for any communion with God without it 2. The miserable issue of deceived soules with their barren emptie fruitlesse Faith 3. The glory of the Gospel when the power thereof hath an evident impression on the hearts thoughts words actions and lives of Professors 4. Scandall of the Gospel the advantage of its adversaries the shame of the Church and fierce wrath of God following the unsuteable walking of the professors 5. The sweet reward which the practice of holyness bringeth along with it even in this life with that eternall weight of glory whereunto it leadeth hereafter unto which the holy Son of God bring us all through the sprinkling of his most holy bloud And these are some of those Rules whose practice is required from the persons and adorneth the profession of those who have obtained this grace to walk together in Fellowship according to the Rule of the Gospel Towards others also ought they with severall limitations and in the full latitude towards the Brethren of the Congregations in commrnion with them FINIS Touching these cases see my Treatise of the Duty of Pastor and people distinguished
Eshcol A Cluster of the fruit of Canaan brought to the Borders for the encouragement of the Saints travelling thitherward with their faces towards Syon OR Rules of direction for the walking of the Saints in Fellowship according to the order of the Gospel Collected and explained for the use of the Church at Coggeshall By John Owen their Pastor For so is the will of God that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men 1 Pet. 2. 15. LONDON Printed for Philemon Stephens and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the gilded Lyon in S. Pauls Church-yard 1648. An advertisement to the Reader THERE are Christian Reader certaine principles in Church affairs generally consented unto by all men aiming at reformation however diversified among themselves by singular perswasions or distinguished by imposed and assumed names and Titles Some of these though not here mentioned are the bottome and foundation of this following collection of rules for our walking in the fellowship of the Gospel amongst which these foure are the principall First That particular Congregations or Assemblies of believers gathered into one body for a participation of the ordinances of Jesus Christ under officers of their own are of Divine institution Secondly That every faithfull person is bound by vertue of positive precepts to joyn himself to some such single Congregation having the notes and marks whereby a true Church may be knowne and discerned Thirdly That every man 's own voluntary consent and submission to the ordinances of Christ in that Church whereunto he is joyned is required for his union therewith and fellowship therein Fourthly That all believers of one place are bound to joyn themselves in one Congregation unlesse through their being too numerous they are by common consent distinguished into more which order cannot be disturbed without the guilt of Schisme These principles evident in the Scripture cleer in themselves and own'd in the main by all pretending to regular Church-reformation were supposed and taken for granted at the collection of these ensuing rules The Apostolicall direction and precept in such cases is that whereunto we have attained we should walk according to the same rule unto whose performance the promise annexed is that if any one be otherwise minded God will also reveale that unto him The remaining differences about Church Order and Discipline are for continuance so Ancient and by the disputes of men made so involved and intricate the parties at variance so prejudiced and engaged that although all things of concernment appeare to me as to others both consenting with me and dissenting from me cleer in the Scriptures yet I have little hopes of the accomplishment of the promise in revelation of the truth as yet contested about in men differently minded untill the obedience of walking sutably and answerably to the same rules agreed on be more sincerely accomplished This perswasion is the more firmly fixed on me every day because I see men for the most part to spend their strength and time more in the opposing of those things wherein others differ from them then in the practice of those which by themselves and others are owned as of the most necessary concernment so that though the Lord hath inabled me with some pains and difficulty to compose an Irenicum in the Theory of Ecclesiasticall Discipline yet perswaded by my own judgment I willingly lay it aside lest it should provewith others a wandring Raven and choose rather to send forth this Dove to direct the poor of the flock in the practice of those Christian duties which are answerable to the rules by all agreed upon ayming in the first place at the edification of the flock committed to my own care and in the next to allure all lovers of Christ in sincerity to walk in those wayes which are attended with mercy and peace not wanting a promise of the revelation of hidden truths and in this I am fully resolved that the practice of any one duty here mentioned by any one soul before neglected shall be an abundant recompence for the publishing my name with these papers savouring so little of those ornaments of Art or Learning which in things that come to publick view men desire to hold out Imprimatur Ja Cranford Decemb. 30. 1647. Rules of walking in fellowship with reference to Pastor RULE I. THe word and all ordinances dispensed in the administration to him committed by vertue of Ministeriall authority are to be submitted unto with ready obedience in the Lord 1 Cor. 4. 1. Let a man so account of us as of the Ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God 2 Cor. 5. 18 20. God hath committed unto us the Ministery of reconciliation now then we are Embassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by us 2 Cor. 4. 7. We have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us See 2 Cor. 6. 1. Gal. 4. 14. You received me as an Angell of God even as Jesus Christ 2 Thess. 3. 14. and if any man obey not our words note that man and have no company with him Heb 13. 7. Remember them that have the rule over you who have spoken to you the word of God V. 13. Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your soules as they that must give an account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you EXPLICATION I. THere is a two-fold power for the dispensing of the Word 1. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} or ability 2. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} authority the first with the attending qualifications mentioned and recounted 1 Tim. 3. 2 3 4 5 6 7. Tit. 1. 6 7 8. and many other places is required to be previously in those as bestowed on them who are to be called to office of ministration and may be in severall degrees and measures in such as are never set apart thereunto who thereby are warranted to declare the Gospel 1 In cases of necessity 2 Occasionally 3 Desired by the Church and not otherwise solemnly The second or authority proper to them who orderly are set apart thereunto ariseth from 1. Christs institution of the office Eph. 4. 11. 2. Gods designation of the person Mat. 9. 38. 3. The Churches acceptation election submission Gal. 4. 14. Acts 14. 23. 1 Thess. 5. 12 13. which doth not give them dominion over the faith of believers 2 Cor. 1. 24. nor make them Lords over Gods heritage 1 Pet. 5. 3. but entrusts them with a stewardly power in the house of God 1 Cor. 4. 12. that is the peculiar flock over which in particular they are made overseers Acts 20. 28. of whom the Word is to be received 1 As the truth of God as also from all others speaking according to Gospel-order in his name 2 As the truth held out with
ministeriall authority to them in particular according to the institution of Christ which in other is not so Motives to the observance of this rule are 1. The name wherein they speak and administer 2 Cor. 5. 20. 2. The work which they do 1 Cor. 3. 9. 2 Cor. 6. 1. 1 Tim. 4. 16. 3. The return that they make Heb. 13. 17. 4. The account that the Lord hath of them in his employment Matth. 10. 40 41 42. Luke 10. 16. RULE II. HIs conversation is to be observed and diligently followed so farr as he walks in the steps of Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 4. 16. I beseech you be followers of me Ch. 11. 1. Be ye followers of me even as I also am of Christ Heb. 13. 7. Remember them who have spoken unto you the Word of God whose faith follow considering the end of their conversation 2 Thes. 3. 7. For your selves know how you ought to follow us for we behaved not our selves disorderly among you Phil. 3. 17. Brethren be followers together of me and mark them which walk so as you have us for an example 1 Tim. 4. 12. Be you an example of the believers in word in conversation in charity in spirit in faith in purity L Pet. 5. 3. Be ensamples to the flock EXPLICAT II. THat an exemplar conversation was ever required in the dispensers of holy things both in the Old Testament and New is apparent the glorious vestment of the old ministring Priests Vrim and Thummim with many other ornaments though primitively typicall of Jesus Christ yet did not obscurely set out the purity and holinesse required in the administrators themselves Zech. 3. 4. in the new The shining of their lights in all good works Matth. 5. 16. is eminently exacted and this not only that no offence be taken at the waies of God and his worship by them administred as hath fallen out in the Old Testament Jam. 2. 17. and in the New Phil. 3. 18 19. but also those who are without may be convinced 1 Tim. 3. 7 and the Churches directed in the practise of all the will and mind of God by them revealed as in the places cited a Pastor should be vocall Sermons must be practised as well as preached Though Noahs Work-men built the Arke yet themselves were drowned God will not accept of the tongue where the Devill hath the soule Jesus did do and teach Acts 1. 1. If a man teach uprightly and walk crookedly more will fall down in the night of his life then he built in the day of his Doctrine RULE III. PRayer and supplications are continually to be in his behalf for assistance in the Work committed to him Ephes. 6. 18 19. Pray alwaies with all prayer and supplication in the spirit for me that utterance may be given me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the Gospel for which I am an Embassador 2 Thes. 3. 1 2. Brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified and that we may be delivered from the hands of unreasonable and wicked men 1 Thes. 5. 25. Col. 4. 3. Praying also for us that God would open unto us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ Heb. 13. 18. Act. 12. 5. Prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him Heb. 13. 7. EXPLICAT III. THE greatnesse of the work for which who is sufficient 2 Cor. 2. 16. The strength of the opposition which who almost can resist Which are incumbent on and maintained against the Ministers of the Gospel call aloud for the most effectuall daily concurrence of the Saints for their supportment and that love thank fulnesse and justice do almost extort deserved prayers That these are to be for assistance incouragement abilities successe deliverance and protection is proved in the Rule Motives 1. The word will doubtlesse be effectuall when ability for its administration is a return of prayers Acts 10. 30 31. 2. The Ministers failing is the peoples punishment Acts 8. 11. Isa. 30. 20. 3. His prayers are continually for the Church 4. That for which he stands in so much need of prayers is the Saints good and not peculiarly his own Help him who carryes the burthen 1 Tim. 3. 8. Phil. 2. 17. Col. 1. 24. RULE IV. REverentiall estimation of him with submission unto him for his works sake 1 Cor. 4. 1. Let a man so account of us as of the Ministers of Christ and Stewards of the mysteries of God 1 Thes. 5. 12. And we beseech you Brethren to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you ver. 13. And to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake 1 Tim. 5. 17. Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the word and doctrine 1 Pet. 5. 5. Submit your selves to the Elders Heb. 13. 17. Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves EXPLICAT IV. THE respect and estimation here required is civil the motive sacred honor and reverence is due only to eminency in some kind or other prelation is Gods stamp upon any person this is given to Pastors by their employment proved by their Titles they are called Angels Revel. 1. 20. Heb. 12. 22. Bishops or Overseers Ezek. 3. 17. Acts 20. 28. They are the Lords Bishops 2 Cor. 5. 20. Stewards 1 Cor. 4. 1. Titus 1. 7. Men of God 1 Sam. 2. 27. 1 Tim. 6. 11. Rulers Heb. 13. 7 17. Lights Mat. 5. 14. Salt Math. 5. 13. Fathers 1 Cor. 4. 15. And by many more such like terms are they described if under these notions they honor God as they ought God will also honor them as he hath promised And his people are in conscience to esteem them highly for their works sake but if any of them be fallen Angels throwndown Starrs negligent Bishops treacherous Embassadors Lordly-revelling-Stewards Tyrannicall or foolish Rulers blind guids unsavory Salt insatiate doggs the Lord and his people shall abhorr them and cut them off in a moneth Zech. 11. 8. RULE V. MAintenance for them and their Families by the administration of earthly things suteable to the state and condition of the Churches is required for their Pastors 1 Tim. 5. 17 18. Let the Elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor especially they who Labour in the word and doctrine For the Scripture saith thou shalt not muzzle the oxe that treadeth out the corne for the laborer is worthy of his reward Gal. 6. 6. Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth in all good things vers. 7. Be not deceived God is not mocked for what a man soweth that shall he reap 1 Cor. 9. 7. Who goeth a warfare at any time at his own charges Who planteth a Vineyard and eateth not of the fruit thereof Who feedeth a flock and eateth not of the milk of the flock vers 9. It
of all rules that concern the Saints the endless bond of communion the fulfilling of the Law the advancement of the honor of the Lord Jesus and the glory of the Gospel The primitive Christians had a proverbiall speech received as they said from Christ never rejoyce but when thou seest thy brother in love and it was common among the Heathens concerning them see how they love one another from their readiness for the accomplishment of that royall precept of laying down their lives for the brethren it s the fountain-rule scope ayme and fruit of Gospel-communion and of no one thing of present performance is the doctrine of the Lord Jesus more eximious and eminent above all other directions then in this of mutuall intense affectionate love amongst his followers for which he gives them innumerable precepts exhortations and motives but above all his own heavenly example to treat of love in its causes nature subject fruits effects tendency eminency and exaltation would not suit with present intention only it may be plainly affirmed that if there were no cause besides of reformation and walking in fellowship but this one that thereby the possession and practice of this grace shamefully to the dishonor of Christ and his Gospel lost amongst those who call themselves Christians it were abundantly enough to give encouragement for the undertaking of it notwithstanding any oppositions now this love is a spirituall grace wrought by the Holy Ghost Gal 5. 22. in the hearts of believers 1 Pet. 1. 22. whereby their soules are carried out 1 Thess. 2. 8. to the good of the children of God as such Phil. 5. Eph. 1. 15. Heb. 13. 11. uniting the heart unto the object so beloved attended with joy delight and complacency in their good Motives unto love are proposed from 1. The example and command of God and Christ 2. From the nature use and end of love it self 3. From the state and condition of the persons to be beloved and that so variously as they are too long for the present to be insisted on Love which is the bond of communion maketh out it self and is peculiarly exercised in these things following II. RULE COntinuall prayer for the prosperous state of the Church in Gods protection towards it Psa. 122. 6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem they shall prosper that love thee Phil. 1. 4. Alwayes in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy ver. 5. For your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day untill now Rom. 1. 9. Without ceasing I make mention of you all in my prayer Acts 12. 5. Peter was kept in prison but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him Isa. 62. 6. Ye that make mention of the Lord keep not silence ver. 7. And give him no rest till he establish and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth Eph. 6. 18. Praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints Col. 4. 12. Epaphras who is one of you a servant of Christ saluteth you alwayes labouring fervently for you in prayers that you may stand perfect and compleat in all the will of God EXPLIC. II. PRayer as it is the great engine whereby to prevail with the Almighty Is. 45. 11. so it is the sure refuge of the Saints at all times both in their own behalf Psal. 61. 2. and also of others Acts 12. 5. It is a benefit which the poorest believer may bestow and the greatest Potentate hath no power to refuse this is the beaten way of the soules communion with God for which the Saints have many gracious promises of assistance Zech. 12. 10. Rom. 8. 26. innumerable precepts for performance Matth. 7. 7. 1 Thess. 5. 17. 1 Tim. 2. 8. with encouragements thereunto Ja 1. 5. Luk. 11. 9. with precious promises of acceptance Matth. 21. 22. Jo. 16. 24. Psal. 51. 15. By all which and divers other wayes The Lord hath abundantly testified his delight in this sacrifice of his people now as the Saints are bound to pray for all men of what sort soever 1 Tim 2. 1 2. unless they are such as sin unto death 1 Jo. 5. 16. yea for their persecuters Matth. 5. 44. and them that hold them in bondage Jer. 29. 7. so most especially for all Saints Phil. 1. 4. and peculiarly for those with whom they are in fellowship Col. 4. 12. The Lord having promised that upon every dwelling place and all the assemblies of Mount Syon that there shall be a cloud of smoke by day and a shining of a flaming fire by night Isa. 4. 5. it is every ones duty to pray for its accomplishment he is not worthy of the priviledges of the Church who continues not in prayer for a defence upon that glory prayer then for the good prosperity flourishing peace increase edification and protection of the Church is a duty every day required of all the members thereof 1. Estimation of the Ordinances 2. Concernment of Gods glory 3. The honour of Jesus Christ 4. Our own benefit and spirituall interest With the fourth expresseness of the command are sufficient Motives hereunto III RULE EArnest striving and contending in all lawfull wayes by doing and suffering for the purity of the ordinances honor liberty and priviledges of the Congregation being joyntly assistant against opposers and common adversaries Jude 3. And exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the Saints Heb. 12. 3. For consider him that endured such contradictions of sinners against himself lest ye he wearied and faint in your minds V. 4. ye have not resisted unto blood striving against sinne 1 Jo. 3. 16. Hereby perceive we the love of God because he laid down his life for us and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren Gal. 5. 1. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not intangled again with the yoke of bondage V. 13. For Brethren ye have been called unto liberty 1 Cor. 7. 23. Ye are bought with a price be ye not the servants of men Cant. 6. 4. Thou art beautifull O my love terrible as an Army with banners 1 Pet. 3. 15. be ready alwayes to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear EXPLIC. III. THe former Rule concerned our dealing with God in the behalf of the Church This our dealing with men to the right performance hereof many things are required as 1. Diligent labouring in the Word with fervent prayer to acquaint our selves with the mind and will of God concerning the way of worship which we profess and the rules of walking which we desire to practise that so we may be able to give an account to humble enquirers and stop the mouths of stubborn opposers according to our knowledge such will be our valuation of the ordinances