Profession and have no part in this general Corruption A. I have already told you He must follow the Gospel which is the Rule Christ has given him he must study what the Spirit of the Gospel is and with all solicitude endeavour to live according to this Spirit Whatever is there commanded he must observe Whatever is there forbid he must avoid Whatever is there approv'd he must approve Whatever is there declar'd the Character of things whether as Good or Evil as Honourable or Dishonourable as Edifying or Scandalous as Profitable or Dangerous accordingly he must esteem them and hence taking the true Measures of all things by these Measures he must govern his Life Q. But if Inclination or the World put in their Plea and give very different notions of things from what is delivered in the Gospel A. As often as they do so they are not to be Regarded â—nd much less Followed The Christian is to be True to his Profession and all such Suggestions are to be look'd upon as Trials of his Fidelity and as Temptations which he is bound to resist And this he must do with resolution Q. But if Custom and Example be pleaded A. If they be What Authority can there be in these against the manifest Will of God These cannot make void what God has said or evacuate his Law Let the Gospel then be consulted and as this determines so it must stand good whatever it be that appears against it If we could suppose it to be an Angel from Heaven yet in this case he is not to be regarded how much less therefore the Custom or Example of Weak and Sinful Men Q. If Company undertakes to Perswade A. Whatever Power there be in this yet no Christian can think it reasonable to hearken to Man rather than God In a Case where God has spoke there can be no Appeal to Man All such Perswasions therefore as far as they are disagreeable to the Gospel are to be look'd upon as Snares such as the Christian is bound with all Diligence to avoid Q. Then you will allow of nothing to prevail in this Case A. No of nothing There is no Authority here in Number the Reputation of Learning Exemplarity or Piety can authorize nothing which the Gospel condemns or reproves All must stand as it is there delivered and to set up for other Notions is to attempt against God Q. And now for the Practice of this Doctrine how must this be A. For Practice a Christian must seriously examin all the General Concerns of Human Life and having discover'd how far the Gospel encourages or allows in each and how far it disapproves he must take this for his Standard and endeavour to come as near it as he can without taking notice of whatever is pleaded by the World or Inclination to the contrary A Life thus regulated will certainly be a Christian Life such as I heartily recommend and will certainly at our Dying hour be the greatest of all Comforts But now to offer some help in it I must make an Essay of bringing all things to the Ballance and seeing how they weigh by the Weights of the Sanctuary so to discover how far the Christian walks by this Rule and in what Particulars departs from it CHAP. V. Of Cloaths Q. WHAT direction do's the Gospel the Christian's Rule give concerning Cloathing A. Several Particulars are there mention'd which give sufficient light in this Point for all such as truly desire to walk by its Spirit Q. What are these A. First in the Commendation of S. John Baptist who being set above all that are born of Women has this particularly remark'd of him That he had his raiment of camels hair and a leathern Girdle about his loins Mat. 3. 4. And this very thing is taken notice of by Christ himself who in his Praises of him to the multitude observes that he was not cloath'd in soft raiment Mat. 11. 8. 2dly In the Particular of the Disorders found in the Rich Glutton who was tormented in Hell Amongst which this is distinctly observ'd That he was cloath'd in Purple and Fine linen Luk. 16. 19. 3dly In S. Paul's Epistle Where he gives in this Advice We brought nothing with us into this world and it is certain we can carry nothing out Having food and raiment let us be therewith content 1 Tim. 6. 7 8. I will therefore that women adorn themselves in Modest Apparel with shamefac'dness and sobriety Not with broider'd hair or gold or pearls or costly Array but which becometh women professing Godliness with good works 1 Tim. 2. 9 10. 4thly In the charge given by S. Peter to Wives Whose adorning says he let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair and of wearing of Gold or of putting on of Apparel but let it the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible even the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit 1 Pet. 3. 3 4. Here you see in a few words what the Gospel approves and what it disapproves in this Point so that whatever constructions are put upon the Words yet still it is evident what method they are to follow who resolve that not the World but the Gospel shall be their Rule Q. This must be confess'd even by the World and Vanity it self tho' they cannot follow it But is there any thing more upon this Subject A. The same may be still farther press'd from other Heads as First Vanity Pride Ambition and Envy are contrary to the Gospel therefore such Christians as desire to live by the Gospel must not permit these to have any part in buying their Cloaths or putting them on but instead of Following must not Follow what these suggest and such as do otherwise have not the Gospel for their Rule Secondly All that falls under the Heads of Excess Immoderateness Prodigality or Wasting what should be the Provision of Family is reproved by the Gospel Therefore all such expensive Cloathing as falls under any of these Heads is departing from the Spirit of the Gospel Thirdly The Gospel prescribes seeking First the Kingdom of God Redeeming the time Giving alms not Seeking to please the World Therefore all that must be condemn'd as disagreeable to the Gospel where the solicitude is greater for complying with a vain World or a vain Humor than for seeking Heaven where the Time and Money which are Blessings given for better uses are wasted in setting forth a rotten and sinful Carcass Lastly Justice is absolutely required by the Gospel therefore all that Care Solicitude and Expence must be contrary to the Gospel which is in the service of Injustice And is not all that so which is applied to the Gratifying Flattering and Exalting the Body which for its Unworthiness and manifold Sins against God deserves nothing but Contempt and Punishment Here now having Consider'd all that belongs to Cloathing by the Gospel you see what is approv'd and what is disapprov'd Cloathing for necessity is approv'd
The Fear of the Lord is the Instruction of Wisdom and before Honor is Humility 33. Every one that is Proud in Heart is an Abomination to the Lord Prov. 16. 5. The High-way of the Vpright is to depart from Evil He that keepeth his Way preserveth his Soul v. 17. Pride goeth before Destruction And a haughty Spirit before a fall v. 18. A froward Man soweth Strife and a Whisperer separateth chief Friends 28. A Reproof entereth more into a wise Man than an hundred Stripes into a Fool Prov. 17. 10. The beginning of Strife is as when one letteth out Water Therefore leave off Contention before it be medled with 14. He that hath Knowledge spareth his Words Even a Fool when he holdeth his Peace is counted Wise 27 28. A Fool 's Lips enter into Contention The words of a Tale-bearer are as wounds Prov. 18. 6 8. Before Destruction the Heart of Man is haughty 12. Death and Life are in the Power of the Tongue 21. The Discretion of a Man differeth his Anger and it is his Glory to pass over a Transgression Prov. 19. 11. Slothfulness casteth into a deep Sleep and an Idle Soul shall suffer Hunger 15. He that hath pity upon the Poor lendeth unto the Lord and that which he hath given will he pay him again 17. Hear Counsel and receive Instruction that thou mayest be wise in thy latter End 20. Reprove one that hath Vnderstanding and he will understand Knowledge 25. VVine is a Mocker strong Drink is Raging And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise Prov. 20. 1. It is an Honor for a Man to cease from Strife But every Fool will be medling 3. Love not Sleep lest thou come to Poverty 13. He that goeth about as a Tale-bearer revealeth Secrets 19. An high Look and a proud Heart and the plowing of the Wicked is Sin Prov. 21. 4. He that loveth Pleasure shall be a poor Man 17. The Mouth of a strange Women is a deep Pit he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein Prov. 22. 14. Hear thou my Son and be wise and guide thine Heart in the Way Be not amongst Wine-bibbers amongst Rioters Eaters of Flesh For the Drunkard and the Glutton shall come to Poverty and Drowsiness shall Cloath a Man with Rags Prov. 23. 19. Who hath Wo Who hath Sorrow Who hath Contentions Who hath Babling Who hath Wounds without Cause Who hath Redness of Eyes They that tarry long at the Wine at the last it biteth like a Serpent and stingeth like an Adder Thine Eyes shall behold strange Women and thine Heart shall utter perverse Things Yea thou shalt be as he that lyeth down in the midst of the Sea or as he that lyeth upon the top of a Mast 23 29. Rejoice O young Man in thy Youth and let thy Heart cheer thee in the Days of thy Youth and walk in the Ways of thy Heart and in the Sight of thine Eyes But know thou that for all these things God will bring thee unto Judgment Childhood and Youth are Vanity Eccl. 11. 9. Remember now thy Creator in the Days of thy Youth while the evil Days come not nor the Years draw nigh when thou shalt say I have no Pleasure in them Eccl. 12. 1. It is good for a Man that he bear the Yoke in his Youth Lam. 3. 27. These are Instructions given by the Spirit of God and particularly directed to Youth which if followed will lead to true Wisdom but if neglected the Fruit must be Destruction The Difficulties of youthful Years are generally very great for when the Strength of Passions carries them on and there is neither Experience or Apprehension to Stem the Violence of them they run as naturally into Mischief as a Boat adrift down the Stream Upon this Consideration is here often press'd the Necessity of their heark'ning to Instruction taking Counsel admitting of Reproof as the most effectual Means for their Security This Advice is given them by the Spirit of God himself who best knows what is necessary for them Here they have his own Words and such particular Directions as their State requires if they read them often and are Solicitous to make them their Rule they will with them find Life but if they despise them they despise their own Souls and the Effects of his Goodness who has thus mercifully taken Care of them CHAP. XXVII Of Masters and Mistresses of Families Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give to these A. Such as they ought carefully to observe and are as follows Behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a Dream saying Arise and take the young Child and his Mother and flee into Egypt Mat. 2. 13. They are to be watchful against all Dangers that threaten their Families The Kingdom of Heaven is likened unto a Man which sowed good Seed in his Field But while Men slept his Enemy came and sowed Tares among the VVheat The Servants said unto him wilt thou then that we go and gather them up But he said nay lest while ye gather up the Tares ye root up also the VVheat with them Mat. 13. 24 28. If they are not very Watchful variety of Disorders will insensibly creep into their Families both as to themselves their Children and Servants And it is their Sloth Sleeping and Neglect is the general Occasion of it For reforming such great Discretion is necessary and this they must earnestly beg of him who is the Father of Light and Fountain of all Wisdom The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a Man that is an Housholder which went out early in the Morning to hire Labourers into his Vineyard And when he had agreed with the Labourers when Even was come the Lord of the Vineyard saith unto his Steward Call the Labourers and give them their Hire Mat. 20. 1 1. Three Points proper for this State 1. To be Watchful and Early 2. To consider and look into the Business they have to do and prudently prepare for the effecting it 3. To make just Payments according to Agreement and without delay This last is often of so great Concern that the Neglect of it is attended with so many Inconveniencies as to deserve no better Name than of Injustice and Oppression If any provide not for his own and especially for those of his own House he hath denied the Faith and is worse than an Infidel 1 Tim. 5. 8. How great the Obligation is of providing for Family may be understood from the frightful Character here given of those who neglect to do it O God how unhappy is their Condition who lye under this Guilt I wish all Heads of Families would seriously consider it that terrified with it they might be affraid 〈…〉 what should be the Comfort and Provision of their Family Do's not this want considering when it is scarce look'd upon as a Fault to throw away Summs upon Humor and Sport and to let Idleness and Intemperance eat out Estates This is no less in
ought to be deliver'd in such a manner as to be understood by the Hearers Thanks be unto God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ and maketh manifest the Savour of his Knowledge by us in every Place For we are unto God a sweet Savour of Christ in them that are saved and in them that perish To the one we are the Savour of Death unto Death and to the other the Savour of Life unto Life For we are not as many which corrupt the Word of God But as of Sincerity but as of God in the Sight of God speak we in Christ 2 Cor. 2. 14 17. The Gospel ought to be preach'd by Word and by good Example To Falsifie or Change the Word of God is Sacrilegious Where there is not true Sincerity there is not the Spirit of the Gospel Seeing we have this Ministry as we have received Mercy we faint not But have renounced the hidden things of Dishonesty not walking in Craftiness nor handling the Word of God Deceitfully but by Manifestation of the Truth commending our selves to every Man's Conscience in the Sight of God But if our Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost 2 Cor. 4. 1. To such Abuses are the most holy Things subject but how many Wo's to them that incurr this Guilt We preach not our selves but Christ Jesus the Lord and our selves your Servants for Jesus sake 2 Cor. 4. 5. What Prophanation What Prostitution of the Gospel in those who undertake to preach Jesus Christ and under this Cover seek themselves We have this Treasure in Earthen Vessels that the Excellency of the Power may be of God and not of us We are troubled on every side yet not distressed we are perplexed but not in despair persecuted but not forsaken cast down but not destroy'd always bearing about in the Body the Dying of the Lord Jesus that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our Body 2 Cor. 4. 7. The Glory of Preachers is to be in God from whom is every good Gift In all Troubles their Confidence is to be in him whom they preach They ought every Way to be so Religious that the Life of Christ may be manifested in all they suffer and in all they do God hath given to us the Ministry of Reconciliation and hath committed unto us the Word of Reconciliation Now then we are Embassadors for Christ as tho' God did beseech you by us We pray you in Christ's stead be ye reconciled to God 2 Cor. 5. 18. We then as Workers together with him beseech you also that ye receive not the Grace of God in vain Giving no Offence in any thing that the Ministry be not blamed But in all things approving our selves as the Ministers of God in much Patience in Afflictions in Necessities in Distresses in Stripes in Imprisonments in Tumults in Labors in Watchings in Fastings by Pureness by Knowledge by Long-suffering by Kindness by the Holy Ghost by Love Vnfeigned by the Word of Truth by the Power of God by the Armor of Righteousness on the right Hand and on the left by Honor and Dishonor by evil Report and good Report As Deceivers and yet True as Vnknown and yet well Known as Dying and behold we Live as Chastened and not Killed as Sorrowful yet always Rejoicing as Poor yet making many Rich as having Nothing and yet possessing all Things 2 Cor. 6. 1. How great is the Dignity of those who succeed in the Apostolic Function And what ought to be their Sanctity who are no others than Vicars of Christ Their Model is here describ'd by the Apostle and ought to be seriously consider'd in every Point Behold the third time I am ready to come to you and I will not be Burdensome to you for I seek not yours but you For the Children ought not to lay up for the Parents but the Parents for the Children And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you tho' the more abundantly I love you the lâ—ss I be loved But be it so 2 Cor. 12. 14. The Character of true Zeal to seek nothing but the good of the Flock An Hypocrite may pretend this for a time but none but the true Shepherds can persevere in this Practice To do otherwise is to be a Trader and not a Pastor Do I seek to please Men For if I yet pleased Men I should not be the Servant of Christ Gal. 1. 10. Hence is the Corruption of the Gospel they who should seek nothing but Jesus endeavour to please the World and to gain Esteem Preferment weighs more with them than Truth When it pleased God who separated me from my Mother's Womb and called me by his Grace To reveal his Son in me that I might preach him among the Heathen immediately I conferred not with Flesh and Blood Gal. 1. 15. Flesh and Blood are not to be Counsellors in the Cause of the Gospel and the Delivery of its Truths He gave some Apostles And some Prophets And some Evangelists And some Pastors and Teachers for the Perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry for the Edifying of the Body of Christ 'Till we all come in the Vnity of the Faith and of the Knowledge of the Son of God unto a Perfect Man unto the Measure of the Stature of the Fulness of Christ That we henceforth be no more Children tossed to and fro and carried about with every Wind of Doctrin by the slight of Men and cunning Craftiness whereby they lye in wait to deceive But speaking the Truth in Love may grow up into him in all things which is the Head even Christ Eph. 4. 11. The Ministers of the Divine Institution Their Charge is not a State of Idleness but of Work The end of this Ordinance was for establishing the Flock in the Unity of Truth And in all Holiness in this they ought to labor Praying always with all Prayer and Supplication for all the Saints and for me that Vtterance may be given unto me that I may open my Mouth boldly to make known the Mystery of the Gospel For which I am an Embassador in Bonds that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak Eph. 6. 18. They are to desire the Prayers of the Flock they are to use a holy Liberty in preaching the Truth of the Gospel without being aw'd by Shame Fear or Expectation They are to do nothing unworthy of him whose Person they represent Some indeed preach Christ even of Envy and Strife and some also of good Will The one preach Christ of Contention not sincerely supposing to add Affliction to my Bonds Phil. 1. 15. Strange Motives for preaching Christ Unhappy they whose Passions serve them for Steps whereby to ascend to the Chair of Truth which ought to have no Entrance but by the Love of Jesus If ye continue in the Faith grounded and settled and be not moved away from the Hope of the Gospel whereof I Paul am made a Minister
PRINCIPLES AND RULES OF THE GOSPEL OFFER'D For the Help of all who desire to live Disciples of Jesus Christ Printed in the Year 1700. THE PREFACE I Offer not the following Collection as any thing new it has a much better commendation from the Prinpal Contents which being a part of the Sacred Text stands in need of no other Title from which to raise its value It is the word of God that is enough And as far as it contains this I can boldly recommend it I press I importune all who have a true Faith in Christ to the Reading and Study of it because it is that which the Spirit of God speaks to Man and Man can have no hopes of Life Eternal but by hearing and following this Word of Life But are not all provided with this in a more Authentic Form in their Bibles which they have by them It is true but while all are thus provided and generally well-read in this Sacred volume yet when I look upon the Method of the Christian World and consider the common Practice of Believers I see such a Vniversal Departing from what the Word of God teaches that I cannot but fear they either are not serious in what they profess or do not take it for their Rule or observe not what it enjoyns or at least do not remember what belongs to them This fear which I could wish it were not so reasonable as it seems to me has prevailed on me to lay this short Collection before them wherein I not only put them in mind of the Gospel being their Rule and of the necessity of observing it but likewise by reducing the Texts under particular Heads have provided against all the Objections of Giddy Vnthinking Tempers of Sloth and Ill Memory in the opportunity of seeing at one glance the Principal Directions which the Gospel gives them according to their several Duties and different Circumstances of Life And tho' something of this has been already done by another hand yet observing still such a general corruption among Christians that they as boldly live on in the practice of what the Gospel condemns as if they knew of no such Rule I cannot but think there 's Reason enough for this Repetition in again laying their Rule before them and putting them in mind of the necessity of their making it a Practical Rule to them It is a reveal'd Truth That there is no Salvation but thro' Christ and it is another Truth upon the same Foundation That there can be no Hope thro' Christ but by keeping his Words and observing his Law His Words and his Law are the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Gospel then must be the Rule to all those who hope in Christ and such as follow it not observe not the condition he has propos'd for having a part in his Promises Is this true Then what an unhappy World what a wretched Age are we in where the Gospel is so far from being the Rule even to those that believe it that it is as generally transgressed or neglected as if there was no dependance on it Where what it strictly commands is no more regarded and what it condemns no more avoided than if its Doctrine was fabulous its Heaven was a Fiction and its Hell no more than a Dream Is not this true in all the ways of Pride Intemperance Prodigality Covetousness Love of the World and our selves Is not this true in all kinds of Frauds Over-reaching Injustice Animosities Detraction Dissention Malice c. Is not this too generally true in all that belongs to Eating Drinking Cloathing and Conversing Have not all in these Particulars departed from their Rule Are not these Evils as industriously promoted and encouraged among Christians as by any unbelieving Nation whatever What People in the World are more Vain Proud Fraudulent Malicious and greater Lovers of themselves than they Where do's it appear that Humility Charity Meekness Self-denial Moderation and Forsaking the World are the Christian Law and the conditions for obtaining everlasting Hapiness Who can say in these and infinite other Points that Christian Practice has any regard to the Gospel And yet at the same time our common Profession is That the Gospel is our Rule it teaches the way of Life and we can have no hopes of Life but by doing what it teaches And have not Christians then great reason with their most serious application to study this Rule and see what it recommends as necessary and what it disapproves that so they may no longer be false to their Profession in departing from the Gospel which they acknowledge to be the Guide to Bliss that they may walk in all the ways of the Lord keep his Ordinances and observe his Statutes that they may have no confidence or peace but in such Practices only as are approved by the Word and therefore most agreeable to the Will of God This is certainly as a general so the greatest interest of all and ought therefore to be their principal business For clearness and expedition I offer this summary of Gospel Rules which being ranked under several Heads may be easily consulted by all Capacities and will possitively declare to them what is the Will of God and in all circumstances of Life discover how far the Gospel approves or disapproves This can be the only sure way of standing against ill Customs and not being carried away by the authority and number of offenders nor letting the World take place where God only ought to be heard If there appears any thing difficult in the following Rules I am not to answer for that I propose the Gospel as I find it and having put all Christians in mind that this is the Rule which they profess I here with all Charity conjure them not to despise it but to take their Directions from thence of all that is Lawful Just Holy and Well-pleasing to God for if the Gospel be Life to those that follow it it must be their Condemnation who observe it not PRINCIPLES AND RULES OF THE GOSPEL CHAP. I. Of the Christian's Rule Q. WHAT is a Christian A. A Christian is one that believes in Christ and professes to live according to the Doctrin of the Gospel Q. What then is the general Duty of a Christian A. To do what he professes that is to consider in every thing that the Gospel is his Rule to examin diligently what it teaches and make it the general Endeavor of his whole Life to do in all things as this directs Q. Is this a strict Obligation upon all or may it be omitted without a Fault A. It is such an Obligation that it cannot be omitted wilfully without Sin and to live in the general Neglect of it is to be out of the way of Salvation Q. Why so A. Because the Gospel is the new Law which Christ has left for all to keep that believe in him and to neglect this is to neglect Christ to despise it is to despise him Q. And is
begin to beat the Men-servants and Maidens and to eat and drink and to be drunken the Lord of that Servant will come in a Day when he looketh not for him and at an Hour when he is not aware and will cut him in sunder and will appoint him his Portion with the Vnbelievers Luk. 12. 35 c. Take heed to your selves lest at any time your Hearts be overcharged with Surfeiting and Drunkenness and Cares of this Life and so that Day come upon you unawares For as a Snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the Face of the whole Earth Watch ye therefore and pray always that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man Luk. 21. 34. Take ye heed watch and pray for ye know not when the time is For the Son of Man is as a Man taking a far Journey who left his House and gave Authority to his Servants and to every Man his Work and commanded the Porter to watch Watch ye therefore for ye know not when the Master of the House cometh at Even or at Midnight or at the Cock-crowing or in the Morning lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping and what I say unto you I say unto all watch Mar. 13. 33 c. Watch therefore for ye know neither the Day nor the Hour wherein the Son of Man cometh For the Kingdom of Heaven is as a Man travelling into a far Country who called his own Servants and delivered unto them his Goods Then he that had received the Five Talents went and traded with the same and made them other Five Talents But he that had received one went and digged in the Earth and hid his Lord's Money After a long time the Lord of those Servants cometh and reckoneth with them And so he that had received Five Talents came and brought other five Talents saying Lord thou deliveredst unto me Five Talents behold I have gained besides them Five Talents more His Lord said unto him Well done thou good and faithful Servant thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee Ruler over many things enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord. Then he which had received the one Talent came His Lord said unto him Thou wicked and slothful Servant Take therefore the Talent from him and give it unto him which hath Ten Talents and cast ye the unprofitable Servant into outer Darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth Mat. 25. 13. And now also the Ax is laid unto the Root of the Trees therefore every Tree which bringeth not forth good Fruit is hewn down and cast into the Fire Mat. 3. 10. A certain Man had a Fig-tree planted in his Vineyard and he came and sought Fruit thereon and found none Then said he unto the Dresser of his Vineyard Behold these Three Years I come seeking Fruit on this Fig-tree and find none Cut it down why cumbreth it the Ground And he answering said unto him Lord let it alone this Year also till I shall dig about it and dung it and if it bear Fruit well and if not then after that thou shalt cut it down Luk. 13. 6. Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that doth the Will of my Father which is in Heaven Mat. 7. 21. Strive to enter in at the strait Gate for many I say unto you will seek to enter in and shall not be able Luk. 13. 24. Enter ye in at the strait Gate for wide is the Gate and broad is the Way that leadeth to Destruction and many there be which go in thereat because strait is the Gate and narrow is the Way which leadeth unto Life and few there are that find it Mat. 7. 13. Seek and ye shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you Mat. 7. 7. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness Mat. 6. 33. The Kingdom af Heaven suffereth Violence and the violent take it by force Mat. 11. 12. If any Man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me For whosoever will save his Life shall lose it but whosoever will lose his Life for my sake the same shall save it Luk. 9. 23. If any Man come to me and hate not his Father and Mother and Wife and Children and Brethren and Sisters yea and his own Life also he cannot be my Disciple And whosoever doth not bear his Cross and come after me cannot be my Disciple Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath he cannot be my Disciple Luk. 14. 26 33. A certain Man made a great Supper and bade many and sent his Servant at Supper-time to say to them that were bidden Come for all things are now ready And they all with one consent began to make excuse Then the Master of the House being angry said I say unto you that none of those Men that were bidden shall taste of my Supper Luk. 13. 16 c. Watch ye stand fast in the Faith quit you like Men be strong 1 Cor. 16. 13. Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall 1 Cor. 10. 12. Awake to Righteousness and sin not 1 Cor. 15. 34. Be Sober be Vigilant because your Adversary the Devil as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour Whom resist stedfast in Faith 1 Pet. 5. 8. My Brethren be strong in the Lord and in the Power of his Might put on the whole Armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the Wills of the Devil For we wrestle not against Flesh and Blood but against Principalities against Powers against the Rulers of the darkness of this World Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil Day and having done all to stand Stand therefore having your Loins girt about with Truth and having on the Breast-plate of Righteousness and your Feet shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace above all taking the Shield of Faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery Darts of the Wicked And take the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God Praying always with all Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all Perseverance Eph. 6. 10. Let us not sleep as do others but let us watch and be sober 1 Thess 5. 6. If therefore thou shalt not watch I will come on thee as a Thief and thou shalt not know what Hour I will come upon thee Rev. 3. 3. Therefore my beloved Brethren be ye stedfast unmoveable always abounding in the Work of the Lord forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord 1 Cor. 15. 58. Be not deceived God is not mocked For whatsoever a Man soweth that shall he also reap
the Husband hath not Power of his own Body but the Wife Defraud you not one the other except it be with consent for a Time that ye may give your selves to Fasting and Prayer and come together again that Satan tempt you not for your Incontinency But I speak this by Permission and not of Commandment 1 Cor. 7. 3. 4thly That they may and ought to live holily There was in the Days of Herod the King of Judea a certain Priest named Zacharias of the Course of Abia And his Wife was of the Daughters of Aaron and her Name was Elizabeth And they were both righteous before God walking in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless and they had no Child because that Elizabeth was barren and they both were now well stricken in years Luk. 1. 5. This I say Brethren the time is short It remaineth that both they that have Wives be as tho' they had none and they that weep as tho' they wept not and they that rejoice as tho' they rejoiced not and they that buy as tho' they possessed not and they that use this World as not abusing it For the fashion of this World passeth away 1 Cor. 7. 29. We beseech you Brethren and exhort you by the Lord Jesus that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God so ye would abound more and more For ye know what Commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus For this is the Will of God even your Sanctification that ye should abstain from Fornication That every one of you should know how to possess his Vessel in Sanctification and Honor not in the Lust of Concupiscence even as the Gentiles which know not God 1 Thess 4. 1. Marriage is honorable in all and the Bed undefiled But Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge Let your Conversation be without Covetousness and be content with such things as ye have For he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee Heb. 13. 4. 5thly That there are great Duties of mutual Love and Support belonging to them and that Order is to be observ'd which God has appointed between them I would have you know that the Head of every Man is Christ and the Head of the Woman is the Man and the Head of Christ is God A Man indeed ought not to cover his Head praying for as much as he is the Image and Glory of God But the Woman is the Glory of the Man For the Man is not of the Woman but the Woman of the Man Neither was the Man created for the Woman but the Woman for the Man For this Cause ought the Woman to have Power on her Head because of the Angels Nevertheless neither is the Man without the Woman neither the Woman without the Man in the Lord. For as the Woman is of the Man even so is the Man also by the Woman but all things of God 1 Cor. 11. 3 7. Submitting your selves one to another in the Fear of God Wives submit your selves unto your own Husbands as unto the Lord. For the Husband is the Head of the Wife even as Christ is Head of the Church And he is the Saviour of the Body Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ so let the Wives be to their own Husbands in every thing Husbands love your Wives even as Christ loved the Church and also gave himself for it That he might sanctifie and cleanse it So ought Men to love their Wives as their own Bodies He that loveth his Wife loveth himself For no Man ever yet hated his own Flesh but nourisheth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the Church For we are Members of his Body of his Flesh and of his Bones For this Cause shall a Man leave his Father and Mother and shall be joined unto his Wife and they two shall be one Flesh This is a great Mystery But I speak concerning Christ and the Church Nevertheless Let every one of you in particular so love his Wife even as himself and the Wife see that she reverence her Husband Eph. 5. 21 28. Wives submit your selves unto your own Husbands as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands love your Wives and be not bitter against them Col. 3. 18. 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 chaste Conversation coupled with Fear Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the Hair and of wearing of Gold or of putting on of Apparel but let it be the hidden Man of the Heart in that which is not corruptible even the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit which is in the Sight of God of great Price For after this manner in the Old Time the holy Women also who trusted in God adorned themselves being in Subjection unto their own Husbands even as Sara obeyed Abraham calling him Lord Whose Daughters ye are as long as ye do well and are not affraid with any Amazement 1 Pet. 3. 1. Likewise ye Husbands dwell with them according to Knowledge giving Honor unto the Wife as unto the weaker Vessel and as being Heirs together of the Grace of Life that your Prayers be not hinder'd 1 Pet. 3. 7. Teach the young Women to be sober to love their Husbands to love their Children to be Discreet Chaste keepers at Home good obedient to their own Husbands that the Word of God be not blasphemed Tit. 2. 4. Young Men likewise exhort to be Sober-minded Tit. 2. 6. That the aged Men be Sober Grave Temperate Sound in Faith in Charity in Patience Tit. 2. 2. The aged Women likewise that they be in Behavior as becometh Holiness not false Accusers not given to much Wine Teachers of good things Tit. 2. 3. I will that Men pray every where lifting up holy Hands without Wrath and Doubting 1 Tim. 2. 8. In like manner also that Women adorn themselves in modest Apparel with Shamefacedness and Sobriety Not broider'd Hair or Gold or Pearls or costly Array but which becometh Women professing Godliness with good Works Let the Women learn in silence with all Subjection But I suffer not a Woman to teach nor to usurp Authority over the Man but to be in silence For Adam was first formed then Eve And Adam was not deceived but the Woman being deceived was in the Transgression Notwithstanding she shall be saved in Child-bearing if they continue in Faith and Charity and Holiness with Sobriety 1 Tim. 2. 9. Let your Women keep silence in the Churches For it is not permitted unto them to speak but they are commanded to be under Obedience as also saith the Law And if they will learn any thing let them ask their Husbands at Home For it is a Shame for Women to speak in the Church 1 Cor. 14. 34. Thus speaks the Rule and so particularly that there can be no
need of repeating it Let all then who engage in this State remember the Charge here given and distinguish themselves from Heathens by endeavoring to be punctual in it The State is what God has ordain'd for the Propagation of Mankind and filling up the Number of the Elect. Thus it becomes sanctified to the Faithful and ought to be undertaken not in the Spirit of Brutes or of the World but in the Fear of God and the Spirit of true Holiness so as to hope for the Blessing of a manifold Grace such as may be necessary for satisfying all the Obligations belonging to their State For a help in this I wish they would often read what the Word of God here speaks to them that so being frequently reminded of their Duty they may be solicitous in complying with it In undertaking this State they have undertaken these Obligations and if they are not careful in satisfying them they are faithless and unjust and what then will it avail them to be just in other Duties if they are unjust in these which are annext to their State Custom may seem to lessen the Guilt but this is a Snare for such as are willing to be deceiv'd for certainly it cannot be a Lessening but an Aggravation of Sin to live always in it CHAP. XXIII Of Widows Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give as to this State A. It speaks very particularly of it There was one Anna a Prophetess the Daughter of Phanuel of the Tribe of Aser she was of a great age and had lived with an Husband seven Years from her Virginity And she was a Widow of about fourscore and four Years which departed not from the Temple but served God with Fastings and Prayer Night and Day Luke 2. 36. I say to the Vnmarried and Widows 〈…〉 for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain let them marry for it is better to marry than to burn But as God hath distributed to every Man as the Lord hath called every one so let him walk and so ordain I in all the Churches 1 Cor. 7. 8 17. The unmarried Woman careth for the things of the Lord that she may be holy both in Body and in Spirit but she that is married careth for the things of the World how she may please her Husband And this I speak for your own Profit not that I may cast a Snare upon you but for that which is comely and that you may attend upon the Lord without Distraction The Wife is bound by the Law as long as her Husband liveth but if her Husband be dead she is at liberty to be married to whom she will only in the Lord. But she is happier if she so abide after my Judgment and I think also that I have the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 7. 34 39. Honor Widows that are Widows indeed But if any Widow have Children or Nephews let them learn first to shew Piety at home and to requite their Parents for that is good and acceptable before God Now she that is a Widow indeed and desolate trusteth in God and continueth in Supplications and Prayers night and day But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth And these things give in charge that they may be blameless But if any provide not for his own and especially for those of his own House he hath denied the Faith and is worse than an Infidel Let not a Widow be taken into the number under Threescore Years old having been the Wife of one Man well reported of for good Works if she have brought up Children if she have lodged Strangers if she have washed the Saints Feet if she have relieved the Afflicted if she have diligently followed every good Work But the younger Widows refuse for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ they will marry having Damnation because they have cast off their first Faith And withal they learn to be idle wandering about from House to House and not only idle but Tattlers also and Busie-bodies speaking things which they ought not I will therefore that the younger Women marry bear Children guide the House give none Occasion to the Adversary to speak reproachfully for some are already turned aside after Satan If any Man or Woman that believeth have Widows let them relieve them and let not the Church be charged that it may relieve them that are Widows indeed 1 Tim. 5. 3. Thus speaks the Rule to Persons of this State plainly shewing what are the Advantages to be made of it and what the Exercises by which they may recommend themselves to the Favor of Heaven Such then as desire the Comforts of his Protection who reckons Widows a particular part of his Care may here see how they may be of this number since they have him for their Informer who offers his Help Thus then they may be Happy and even Gainers by their Loss in the tender Offers of a Heavenly Father But if they look not for this Privilege but still have their Hearts full of the World and still follow its Ways they have the Name of Widows but are not Widows indeed they seek Earthly Comforts and such they may have CHAP. XXIV Of Parents Q. WHAT Direction do's the Gospel give to Parents A. He that loveth Son or Daughter more than me is not worthy of me Matth. 10. 37. Their Love then ought to be prudent and moderate Then came to him the Mother of Zebedee's Children with her Sons worshipping him and desiring a certain thing of him And he said unto her What wilt thou She saith unto him Grant that thâ—se my two Sons may sit the one on thy Right Hand and the other on the Left in thy Kingdom But Jesus answered and said Ye know not what ye ask Are ye able to drink of the Cup that I shall drink of Mat. 20. 20. Ambition is to be avoided in the disposing of Children and in seeking Preferment for them Due Care is to be us'd in teaching them to do the Will of God and embrace his Appointments When the Days of her Purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished they brought him the Infant Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord Luke 1. 22. A good Practice of Parents to offer their Children daily to God for obtaining his Grace and Protection upon them And they sought him among their Kinsfolk and Acquaintance And when they found him not they turned back again to Jerusalem seeking him Luke 2. 44. It is the Parents Care to seek their Children and to omit no Industry in regaining them when they are lost How often is it necessary to follow them amongst their Relations and Acquaintance and to observe their ways He arose and came to his Father But when he was yet a great way off his Father saw him and had Compassion and ran and fell on his Neck and kissed him And the Son said unto him Father I have sinned against Heaven and in thy
Luk. 16. 20. Ye see your Calling Brethren how that not many wise Men after the Flesh not many Mighty not many Noble are called But God hath chosen the foolish things of the World to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weak things of the World to confound the things which are mighty and base things of the World and things which are despised hath God chosen 1 Cor. 1. 26. Moreover Brethren we do you to wit of the Grace of God bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia How that in a great Trial of Affliction the Abundance of their Joy and their deep Poverty abounded unto the riches of their Liberality For to their Power I bear record yea and beyond their Power they were willing of themselves praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the Gift Ye know the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that tho' he was Rich yet for your sakes he became Poor that ye thro' his Poverty might be Rich 2 Cor. 8. 1 9. Let this mind be in you which was also in Jesus Christ who being in the form of God thought it not Robbery to be equal with God But made himself of no Reputation and took upon him the form of a Servant and was made in the likeness of Men And being found in fashion as a Man he Humbled himself and became Obedient unto Death even the Death of the Cross Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him Phil. 2. 5. Godliness with Contentment is great Gain For we brought nothing into this World and it is certain we can carry nothing out And having Food and Raiment let us be therewith content But they that will be Rich fall into Temptation 1 Tim. 6. 6. Let your Conversation be without Covetousness and be content with such things as ye have For he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee So that we may boldly say the Lord is my Helper and I will not fear what Man shall do unto me Heb. 13. 5. Humble your selves therefore under the mighty Hand of God that he may exalt you in due time casting all your Care upon him for he careth for you 1 Pet. 5. 6. Let the Brother of low Degree rejoice in that he is exalted Blessed is the Man that endureth Temptation For when he is tried he shall receive the Crown of Life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him Jam. 1. 9 12. Hearken my beloved Brethren hath not God chosen the Poor of this World Rich in Faith and Heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Jam. 2. 5. Not that I speak in respect of Want for I have learned in whatsoever State I am therewith to be content I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound Every-where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need I can do all things thro' Christ which strengtheneth me Notwithstanding ye have well done that ye did communicate with my Affliction Phil. 4. 11. These things saith the First and the Last which was dead and is alive I know thy Works and Tribulation and Poverty but thou art Rich. Fear none of these things which thou shalt suffer Behold the Devil shall cast some of you into Prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have Tribulation ten Days Be thou Faithful unto Death and I will give thee a Crown of Life Rev. 2. 8. Some additions out of the Old Testament I would seek unto God and unto God would I commit my Cause He saveth the Poor from the Sword from their Mouth and from the Hand of the Mighty So the Poor hath Hope and Iniquity stoppeth her Mouth Job 5. 15. The Lord also will be a Refuge for the Oppressed a Refuge in times of Trouble And they that know thy Name will put their trust in thee For thou Lord hast not forsaken them that seek thee Psal 9. 9 10. The Needy shall not alway be forgotten the Expectation of the Poor shall not perish for ever v. 18. Why standest thou afar off O Lord Why hidest thou thy self in times of Trouble The Wicked in his Pride doth persecute the Poor Let them be taken in the Devices that they have imagined Arise O Lord O God lift up thine Hand forget not the Humble Wherefore doth the Wicked contemn God He hath said in his Heart thou wilt not require it Thou hast seen it for thou beholdest Mischief and Spite to requite it with thy Hand The Poor committeth himself unto thee thou art the Helper of the Fatherless Lord thou hast heard the Desire of the Humble Thou wilt prepare their Heart thou wilt cause thine Ear to hear To judge the Fatherless and the Oppressed that the Man of the Earth may no more oppress Psal 10. 1 12 17. I sought the Lord and he heard me and delivered me from all my Fears This Poor Man cried and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his Troubles The Angel of our Lord encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them O taste and see that the Lord is good blessed is the Man that trusteth in him O fear the Lord ye his Saints For there is no want to them that fear him The Righteous cry and the Lord heareth and delivereth them out of all their Troubles The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken Heart and saveth such as be of a contrite Spirit Many are the Afflictions of the Righteous but the Lord delivereth him out of them all He keepeth all his Bones not one of them is broken The Lord redeemeth the Soul of his Servants and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate Psal 34. 4 6 17. Trust in the Lord and do good so shalt thou dwell in the Land and verily thou shalt be fed Delight thy self also in the Lord and he shall give thee the Desires of thine Heart Commit thy Way unto the Lord and he shall bring it to pass Rest in the Lord and wait patiently Fret not thy self because of him who prospereth in his Way for evil Doers shall be cut off but those that wait upon the Lord they shall inherit the Earth A little that a righteous Man hath is better than the Riches of many Wicked The Lord knoweth the Days of the Vpright and their Inheritance shall be for ever They shall not be ashamed in the evil Time and in the Days of Famine they shall be satisfied The Steps of a good Man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in his Way Tho' he fall he shall not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholdeth him with his Hand I have been young and now am old Yet have I not seen the Righteous forsaken nor his Seed begging Bread Psal 37. 3 7 16 18 23. Why art thou cast down O my Soul And why art thou disquieted within me Hope in God for I shall yet praise him who
is the Health of my Countenance and my God Psal 43. 5. Thou makest us a Reproach to our Neighbors a Scorn and a Derision to them that are round about us Thou makest us a By-word among the Heathen a shaking of the Head among the People All this is come upon us yet have we not forgotten thee neither have we dealt falsly in thy Covenant Our Heart is not turned back neither have our Steps declined from thy Ways Psal 44. 13 17. I am Poor and Sorrowful let thy Salvation O God set me upon High For the Lord heareth the Poor and despiseth not his Prisoners Psal 69. 29 33. He shall judge thy People with Righteousness and thy Poor with Judgment He shall judge the Poor of the People he shall save the Children of the Needy and shall break in pieces the Oppressor He shall deliver the Needy when he crieth the Poor also and him that hath no Helper He shall spare the Poor and Needy and shall save the Souls of the Needy He shall redeem their Soul from Deceit and Violence and precious shall their Blood be in his Sight Psal 72. 2 12. Who is like unto the Lord our God who dwelleth on High He raiseth up the Poor out of the Dust and lifteth the Needy out of the Dunghil That he may set him with Princes even with the Princes of his People Psal 113. 5 7. I know that the Lord will maintain the Cause of the Afflicted and the Right of the Poor Psal 140. 12. Better is a Little with the Fear of the Lord than great Treasure and Trouble therewith Prov. 15. 16. Better is a Little with Righteousness than great Revenues without Right Prov. 16. 8. Better is a dry Morsel and Quietness therewith than a Housefull of Sacrifices with Strife Prov. 17. 1. Better is the Poor that walketh in his Integrity than he that is perverse in his Lips and is a Fool Prov. 19. 1. Thou hast been a Strength to the Poor a Strength to the Needy in his Distress a Refuge from the Storm a Shadow from the Heat when the Blast of the terrible Ones is as a Storm against the Wall Isa 25. 4. Yea in the Way of thy Judgments O Lord have we waited for thee the desire of our Soul is to thy Name and to the Remembrance of thee With my Soul have I desir'd thee in the Night yea with my Spirit within me will I seek thee early For when thy Judgments are in the Earth the Inhabitants of the World will learn Righteousness Lord in Trouble have they visited thee they poured out a Prayer when thy chastening was upon them Isa 26. 8. It is of the Lord's Mercies that we are not consumed because his Compassions fail not They are New every Morning great is thy Faithfulness The Lord is my Portion saith my Soul therefore will I hope in him The Lord is good unto them that wait for him to the Soul that seeketh him It is good that a Man should both hope and quietly wait for the Salvation of the Lord. It is good for a Man that he bear the Yoke in his Youth He sitteth alone and keepeth silence because he hath born it upon him He putteth his Mouth in the Dust if so be there may be Hope For the Lord will not cast off for ever But tho' he cause Grief yet will he have Compassion according to the Multitude of his Mercies For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the Children of Men. Wherefore doth a living Man complain a Man for the Punishment of his Sins Let us search and try our Ways and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our Heart with our Hands unto God in the Heavens Lam. 3. 22. Thus do's the Spirit of God speak in the Case of the Poor and Distressed evidently discovering that however by this World they are esteem'd unhappy yet that God has a particular Regard to them undertakes their Protection and makes so many Promises to them that it cannot be question'd but as to the next World they have much the Advantage above those who enjoy themselves in plenty But then they must observe the Conditions which God proposes to them of accepting the Inconveniencies of their State as from the Hand of God of being content with what they have of casting their Care upon God of waiting upon the Lord with Patience of retaining a firm Confidence in his Promises of living in the Fear of God and banishing with their best Endeavors all Inclinations to Impatience Murmuring and Distrust If in this Spirit they live I think they have more solid Grounds for true Comfort than the Enjoyment of all worldly Possessions can afford and may have a great Assurance of God's Promises to be accomplish'd in them in the Blessings of a happy Eternity CHAP. XXXV Of those who have the Care of the Flock Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give to Persons of this Character A. It speaks very particularly to them and is very full both in the Instructions and Charge it gives them Ye are the Salt of the Earth but if the Salt have lost his Savour wherewith shall it be Salted It is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and to be trodden under Foot of Men. Ye are the Light of the World A City that is set on a Hill cannot be hid Neither do Men light a Candle and put it under a Bushel but on a Candlestick and it giveth Light to all that are in the House Let your Light so shine before Men that they may see your good Works and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven Mat. 5. 13. They are to be Exemplar If a Man have an hundred Sheep and one of them be gone astray doth he not leave the ninety and nine and goeth into the Mountains and seeketh that which is gone astray Mat. 18. 12. They are to be solicitous in seeking the lost Sheep There was also a Strife among them which of them should be accounted the greatest And he said unto them The Kings of the Gentiles exercise Lordship over them and they that exercise Authority upon them are called Benefactors But ye shall not be so But he that is greatest among you let him be as the Younger and he that is Chief as he that doth serve For whether is greater he that sitteth at Meat or he that serveth Is not he that sitteth at Meat But I am among you as he that serveth Luk. 22. 24. They are to be Humble in Preferment Verily verily I say unto you He that entreth not by the Door into the Sheepfold but climbeth up some other Way the same is a Thief and a Robber But he that entreth in by the Door is the Shepherd of the Sheep To him the Porter openeth and the Sheep hear his Voice And he calleth his own Sheep by Name and leadeth them out And when he putteth forth his own Sheep he goeth before them and the Sheep follow him for they know his
worthily the Word of God 4. Suppress corrupt Discourse 5. Subdue their own Passions and follow the Spirit of the new Man 6. Decline impertinent Contentions 7. Be Meek to all and ready to give their Help 8. Be moderate in Reproving and Arguing Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them and that from a Child thou hast known the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee Wise unto Salvation thro' Faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrin for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness that the Man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good Works 2 Tim. 3. 14. They are to be stedfast in Faith knowing in the Holy Scriptures make use of these for the Conduct of themselves for instructing correcting and leading others in Ways of Piety and Justice I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the Quick and the Dead at his appearing and his Kingdom Preach the Word be instant in Season out of Season reprove rebuke exhort with all Long-suffering and Doctrin For the time will come when they will not endure sound Doctrin but after their own Lusts shall they heap to themselves Teachers having itching Ears And they shall turn away their Ears from the Truth and shall be turned unto Fables But watch thou in all things endure Afflictions do the Work of an Evangelist make full proof of thy Ministry 2 Tim. 4. 1. They are to employ their Preaching Reproof Prayer Threats and Patience for the Salvation of their Flock They are to be Watchful bear patiently the Troubles of their Ministry and by discharging all Duties fully satisfie it For this Cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldest set in Order the things that are wanting and ordain Elders in every City as I had appointed thee If any be Blameless the Husband of one Wife having faithful Children not accused of Riot or Vnruly For a Bishop must be Blameless as the Steward of God not Self-willed not soon Angry not given to Wine no Striker not given to filthy Lucre but a Lover of Hospitality a Lover of good Men Sober Just Holy Temperate holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught that he may be able by sound Doctrin both to exhort and to convince the Gainsayers Tit. 1. 5. Qualifications of such as undertake this Charge These things speak and exhort and rebuke with all Authority Let no Man despise thee Tit. 2. 15. They are to exhort and reprove as having Authority Their Conduct ought to be such as to be despis'd by none Avoid foolish Questions and Genealogies and Contentions and Strivings about the Law for they are unprofitable and vain A Man that is an Heretick after the first and second Admonition reject Knowing that he that is such is subverted and sinneth being condemned of himself Tit. 3. 9. They are to decline unprofitable Disputes and declar'd Hereticks The Elders which are among you I exhort who am also an Elder and a Witness of the Sufferings of Christ and also a Partaker of the Glory that shall be revealed Feed the Flock of God which is among you taking the Oversight thereof not by constraint but willingly not for filthy Lucre but of a ready Mind neither as being Lords over God's Heritage but being Ensamples to the Flock And when the chief Shepherd shall appear ye shall reeeive a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away 1 Pet. 5. 1. The true Shepherds not for their own Interest but for the Good of the Flock watch over it they lead it without lording it and are themselves an Example to it Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die For I have not found thy Works perfect before God Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard and hold fast and repent If therefore thou shalt not watch I will come on thee as a Thief Revel 3. 2. Thus speaks the chief Shepherd to all those who under him have taken upon them the Care of his Flock and from whom should they learn the Obligations of their Charge but from him Happy they who give ear to him §. II. As to Teaching the Flock Jesus came and spake unto them saying All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth Go ye therefore and teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you And lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world Mat. 28. 19. The Commission for teaching and preaching Christ must be from Christ and no other Confidence of teaching Truth but from him As ye go preach saying The Kingdom of heaven is at Hand Heal the Sick cleanse the Lepers raise the Dead cast out Devils freely ye have received freely give Mat. 10. 7. They are to be dis-interessed Do all good and not look for a Reward from Man but from God He that heareth you heareth me And he that despiseth you despiseth me And he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me Luk. 10. 16. Christ speaks to his Flock by those whom he has set over it and appointed to teach Christ is injur'd in the contempt of them In the day-time he was teaching in the Temple and at night he went out and abode in the Mount that is called the Mount of Olives Luk. 21. 37. They who teach others are to have their time of frequent Retreat from the World I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive Jo. 14. 16. When the Spirit of Truth is come he will guide you into all Truth Jo. 16. 13. No Security of Truth from Learning but from the Spirit of God What Gratitude due from the Flock to God whilst those who were to Teach it were to be led by this Spirit Then the Twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them and said It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God and serve Tables Act. 6. 2. To be engag'd in temporal Affairs is a hindrance to those who are to Teach When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small Dissension and Disputation with them they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question Act. 15. 2. And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter V. 6. When Questions arise they are not determin'd by Paul and Barnabas but are referr'd to the Apostles and Elders of the Church who assemble and consider of it Then pleased it the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church to send chosen Men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas and