who now rejoice in my Sufferings for you and fill up that which is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh for his Body's sake which is the Church Col. 1. 23. To suffer for the Truth ought to be the Joy and Comfort of him that has undertaken to be the Minister of Truth How much then do they forget their Vocation who upon meeting with Discouragements lose all Comfort and repent of their Labor Whom we preach warning every Man and teaching every Man in all Wisdom that we may present every Man perfect in Christ Jesus Col. 1. 28. The only design of an Apostolic Teacher is to form Jesus in every one of his Flock and to make all perfect in him Say to Archippus take heed to the Ministry which thou hast received in the Lord that thou fulfil it Col. 4. 17. They who consider not well the Duties of their Charge will soon neglect them Fulfil the Duties of the Ministry of Jesus Christ What Pastor do's not tremble at this Word Your selves Brethren know our Entrance in unto you that it was not in vain But even after that we had suffered before and were shamefully entreated as ye know at Philippi we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much Contention For our Exhortation was not of Deceit nor of Vncleanness nor in Guile But as we were allowed of God to be put in Trust with the Gospel even so we speak not as pleasing Men but God which trieth our Hearts For neither at any time used we flattering Words as ye know nor a Cloak of Covetousness God is Witness Nor of Men sought we Glory neither of you nor yet of others when we might have been burdensome as the Apostles of Christ But we were Gentle among you even as a Nurse cherisheth her Children So being affectionately desirous of you we were willing to have imparted unto you not the Gospel of God only but also our own Souls because ye were dear unto us For ye remember Brethren our Labor and Travel For laboring Night and Day because we would not be chargeable unto any of you we preached unto you the Gospel of God Ye are Witnesses and God also how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved our selves among you that believe as you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you as a Father doth his Children that ye would walk worthy of God who hath called you unto his Kingdom and Glory 1 Thess 2. 1. Every Word a Lesson to Preachers What a Mercy to the World if they would study and follow this Spirit Be not thou therefore ashamed of the Testimony of our Lord nor of me his Prisoner but be thou Partaker of the Afflictions of the Gospel according to the Power of God 2 Tim. 1. 8. Great Courage is necessary for standing by the Truth and the Ministers of it Hold fast the form of sound Words which thou hast heard of me in Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us 2 Tim. 1. 13. Great Fidelity requir'd of the Pastors of God's Church The Holy Ghost promis'd to them for this end Thou therefore endure Hardness as a good Soldier of Jesus Christ No Man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this Life 2 Tim. 2. 3. I suffer trouble as an evil Doer even unto Bonds but the Word of God is not bound Therefore I endure all things for the Elects sake v. 9. To suffer with Courage all Difficulties is the Obligation of a Pastor And if he suffer as a Criminal as this is most humbling so it brings him nearer to the Resemblance of Jesus Christ They are of the World therefore speak they of the World and the World heareth them 1 Jo. 4. 5. Unhappy Teachers whose Character this is CHAP. XXXVI Of the Flock Q. WHat Directions do's the Gospel give to the Flock in Regard of those whom God has put over them A. It speaks very particularly to them but that I may end this last Chapter with such Instructions as the Gospel gives I will first set down some Injunctions of God in the Old Law which as it was a Figure of the New so it may lead us to such Duties as God expects from the Flock in this better Constitution which is the Church of Christ And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian Woman whom he had married And they said hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses Hath he not spoken also by us And the Lord heard it Wherefore then were not ye afraid to speak against my Servant Moses And the Anger of the Lord was kindled against them and he departed Num. 12. 1 8. God shews his displeasure against those who murmur at such as he has set over them And all the Children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron And the Lord said unto Moses How long will this People provoke me Surely they shall not see the Land which I sware unto their Fathers neither shall any of them that provoked me see it Num. 14. 2 11 23. Great are the Judgments of God upon those who murmur against such as are over them Now Korah and Dathan and Abiram took men and they rose up before Moses with certain of the Children of Israel two hundred and fifty Princes of the assembly famous in the Congregation Men of renown And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron and said unto them Ye take too much upon you seeing all the Congregation are holy every one of them and the Lord is among them Wherefore then lift you up your selves above the Congregation of the Lord And when Moses heard it he fell upon his Face And he spake unto the Congregation saying Depart I pray you from tbe Tents of these wicked Men and touch nothing of theirs lest ye be consumed in all their Sins And the Earth opened her Mouth and swallowed them up and their Houses and all the Men that appertained unto Korah and all their goods And there came out a fire from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty Men that offered Incense Num. 16. 1 26 32 35. The Congregation being holy Exempts them not from their Obedience enjoin'd The Authority of Princes of the Congregation Men Famous and of Renown is not enough for questioning the Authority of Moses and Aaron whom God had commanded all to hear and obey Their offering Incense to God is not accepted while divided from Moses and Aaron they are under the guilt of Disobedience Thou shalt come unto the Priests the Levites and unto the Judge that shall be in those days and enquire and they shall shew thee the Sentence of Judgment And thou shalt do according to the Sentence which they of that place which the Lord shall chuse shall shew thee and thou shalt observe to do according to all that
rendring Evil for Evil or Railing for Railing but contrariwise Blessing knowing that ye are thereunto called that ye should inherit a blessing 1 Pet. 3. 10 11 8 9. Follow Peace with all men and Holiness without which no man shall see the Lord Looking diligently lest any man fail of the Grace of God lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you and thereby many be defiled Heb. 12. 14 15. Let us walk honestly as in the day not in strife and envying but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ Rom. 13. 13. Let nothing be done thro' strife Do all things without murmurings and disputings that ye may be blameless and harmless the Sons of God in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation Phil. 2. 3 14. By love serve one another for all the Law is fulfilled in one word even in this Thou shalt thy Neighbor as thy self But if ye bite and devour one another take heed that ye be not consum'd one of another The Flesh lusteth against the Spirit Now the Works of the Flesh are manifest which are these Hatred Variance Emulations Wrath Strife Seditions Heresies Envyings Murthers and such like of the which I tell you before as I have also told you in time past that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God But the Fruit of the Spirit is Love Joy Peace Long-suffering Gentleness Goodness Meekness against such there is no Law And they that are Christ's have crucified the Flesh Let us not be desirous of Vain-glory provoking one another envying one another Gal. 5. 13 c. Bear ye one another's Burthens and so fulfil the Law of Christ Gal. 6. 2. If ye have bitter Envying and Strife in your Hearts glory not and lie not against the Truth This Wisdom descendeth not from above but is Earthly Sensual Devilish For where Envying and Strife is there is Confusion and every evil Work But the Wisdom that is from above is first Pure then Peaceable Gentle and easie to be Entreated full of Mercy and good Fruits without Partiality and without Hypocrisie And the Fruit of Righteousness is sown in Peace of them that make Peace Jam. 3. 14 c. Be yâ— also patient stablish your Hearts Grudge not one against another Brethren lest ye be condemned Jam. 5. 8 9. The Kingdom of God is not Meat and Drink but Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God and approved of Men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for Peace and things wherewith one may edifie another Rom. 14. 17 c. Wherefore laying aside all Malice and all Guile and Hypocrisies and Envies and all evil Speakings as new-born Babes desire the sincere Milk of the Word 1 Pet. 2. 1. If any Man seem to be contentious we have no such Custom neither the Churches of God 1 Cor. 11. 16. Thus the Rule and this Christians say they follow and if so then who would not expect to find Christians all living in a free Correspondence of Charity and Peace exempt from the Confusions of Passion Provocation Contention and Revenge all mutually bearing with one another and forgiving one another according to the Example Christ has given them and for the securing their Eternal Peace Thus certainly it ought to be and those who live not according to this Method it is certain they transgress their Rule See then what thy Practice is and learn to follow Christ Remember that the Gospel forbids all Contentions Quarrelling Uncharitable Debates Reproaching Grudging and all the other Effects of Passion Malice Ill-will or Dislike It commands thee to study Peace and keep it with all Men as much as is possible and that for this end thou art to be Gentle Patient Compassionate forbearing all Provocations and receiving all that are given thee with Mildness without returning Evil for Evil or Railing for Railing but overcoming Evil with Good Thus thou art commanded labor daily to bring thy self to this Temper of the Gospel and then thou mayest hope for the Rewards of the Gospel CHAP. XIII Of Anger and Mildness Q. WHAT Directions do's the Gospel give as to these Points A. These have been already mention'd in the foregoing Chapters But hear again how expresly they are spoke to I say unto you that whosoever is angry with his Brother without a Cause shall be in danger of the Judgment and whosoever shall say to his Brother Raca shall be in danger of the Council But whosoever shall say Thou Fool shall be in danger of Hell-fire Mat. 5. 22. Be ye angry and sin not let not the Sun go down upon your Wrath neither give place to the Devil Eph. 4. 26. But now you also put off all these Anger Wrath Malice Blasphemy Filthy Communication out of your Mouth Lie not to one another seeing that ye have put off the Old Man with his Deeds Col. 3. 8. Let all Bitterness and Wrath and Anger and Clamor and evil Speaking be put away from you with all Malice And be ye kind to one another tender-hearted forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you Eph. 4. 31 32. My beloved Brethren let every Man be swift to hear slow to speak slow to Wrath for the Wrath of Man worketh not the Righteousness of God Jam. 1. 19 20. I say unto you that ye resist not Evil but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right Cheek turn to him the other also Matth. 5. 39. Beloved avenge not your selves but rather give place unto Wrath For it is written Vengeance is mine I will repay it saith the Lord. Be not overcome of Evil but overcome Evil with Good Rom. 12. 19 21. See that none render Evil for Evil unto any Man but ever follow that which is good 1 Thess 5. 15. Be at Peace among your selves warn them that are unruly comfort the feeble-minded support the weak be patient toward all Men Ib. 14. The Fruit of the Spirit is Love Joy Peace Long-suffering Gentleness Meekness against such there is no Law Gal. 5. 22. I beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called with all Lowliness and Meekness with Long-suffering forbearing one another in Love Eph. 4. 1 2. Thou O Man of God flee these things and follow after Righteousness Godliness Faith Love Patience Meekness 1 Tim. 6. 11. Blessed are the Meek for they shall inherit the Earth Mat. 5. 5. Take my Yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in Heart and ye shall find rest unto your Souls for my Yoke is easie and my Burthen light Mat. 11. 29 30. Put on therefore as the Elect of God holy and beloved Bowels of Mercies Kindness Humbleness of Mind Meekness Long-suffering forbearing one another and forgiving one another if any Man have a Quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you so also do ye Col. 3. 12 13. Put them in mind to speak evil
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
Voice Jo. 10. 1. They are to consider their Vocation I am the good Shepherd The good Shepherd giveth his Life for the Sheep But he that is an Hireling and not the Shepherd whose own the Sheep are not seeth the Wolf coming and leaveth the Sheep and fleeth And the Wolf catcheth them and scattereth the Sheep The Hireling fleeth because he is an Hireling and careth not for the Sheep I am the good Shepherd and know my Sheep and am known of mine Jo. 10. 11. They are to employ and give their Life for the good of their Flock Ye have not chosen me but I have chosen you and ordain'd you that ye should go and bring forth Fruit and that your Fruit should remain Jo. 15. 16. They are to remember the end of their being call'd Jesus saith to Simon Peter Simon Son of Jonas lovest thou me more than these He saith unto him yea Lord thou knowest that I love thee he saith unto him Feed my Lambs He saith to him again the second time Simon Son of Jonas lovest thou me He saith unto him Yea Lord thou knowest that I love thee He saith unto him Feed my Sheep Jo. 21. 15. The Love of Jesus the necessary Preparation for taking charge of their Flock As they ministred to the Lord and fasted the Holy Ghost said Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the Work whereunto I have called them And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their Hands on them they sent them away Acts 13. 2. Good Dispositions for undertaking the Care of the Flock Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the Flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own Blood For I know this that after my departing shall grievous Wolves enter in among you not sparing the Flock Also of your own selves shall Men arise speaking perverse things to draw away Disciples after them Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three Years I ceased not to warn every one Night and Day with Tears Acts 20. 28. Vigilance and Fidelity necessary for Pastors This is a true Saying if a Man desire the Office of a Bishop he desireth a good Work A Bishop then must be blameless the Husband of one Wife Vigilant Sober of good Behavior given to Hospitality apt to Teach not given to Wine no Striker not greedy of filthy Lucre but Patient not a Brawler not Covetous one that ruleth well his own House having his Children in Subjection with all Gravity for if a Man know not how to rule his own House how shall he take Care of the Church of God Not a Novice lest being lifted up with Pride he fall into the Condemnation of the Devil Moreover he must have a good Report of them which are without lest he fall into Reproach and the Snare of the Devil 1 Tim. 3. 1. Necessary Qualifications of Pastors If thou put the Brethren in Remembrance of these things thou shalt be a good Minister of Jesus Christ nourished up in the Words of Faith and of good Doctrin whereunto thou hast attained But refuse profane and old Wives Fables and exercise thy self rather unto Godliness For Bodily Exercise profiteth little but Godliness is profitable unto all things having Promise of the Life that now is and of that which is to come Let no Man despise thy Youth but be thou an Example of the Believers in VVord in Conversation in Charity in Spirit in Faith in Purity Till I come give attendance to Reading to Exhortation to Doctrin Neglect not the Gift that is in thee which was given thee by Prophecy with the laying on of the Hands of the Presbytery Meditate upon these things give thy self wholly to them that thy profiting may appear to all Take heed unto thy self and unto thy Doctrin continue in them For in doing this thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee 1 Tim. 4. 6 12. Excellent Instructions 1. To be nourish'd by Faith 2. To avoid Fables 3. To follow Piety 4. To give good Example 5. To Read and Teach 6. Not to neglect Grace 7. To Meditate 8. To be watchful over themselves and their Flock Lastly To persevere in Duty Rebuke not an Elder but intreat him as a Father and the younger Men as Brethren the elder Women as Mothers the Younger as Sisters with all Purity 1 Tim. 5. 1. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect Angels that thou observe these things without preferring one before another doing nothing by Partiality Lay Hands suddenly on no Man neither be Partaker of other Mens Sins Keep thy self pure v. 21. How strict a charge against all kind of Partiality Them that Sin rebuke before all that others also may fear v. 20. Public Sin to be reprov'd in Public O Timothy keep that which is committed to thy Trust avoiding prophane and vain Bablings and Oppositions of Science falsly so called VVhich some professing have erred concerning the Faith 1 Tim. 6. 20. They are faithfully to keep what is deliver'd avoid unprofitable Disputes Hold fast the form of sound VVords which thou hast heard of me in Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us 2 Tim. 1. 13. Thou therefore my Son be strong in the Grace that is in Christ Jesus And the things that thou hast heard of me among many Witnesses the same commit thou to faithful Men who shall be able to teach others also Thou therefore endure Hardness as a good Soldier of Jesus Christ No Man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this Life that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a Soldier 2 Tim. 2. 1. They are to be strong in Grace Faithful Deliverers of the Truths receiv'd Courageous in all the Difficulties of their Ministry Not engag'd in worldly Affairs Of these things put them in Remembrance charging them before the Lord that they strive not about Words to no profit but to the subverting of the Hearers Study to shew thy self approved unto God a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of Truth But shun prophane and vain Bablings for they will encrease unto more Vngodliness Flee also youthful Lusts but follow Righteousness Faith Charity Peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure Heart But foolish and unlearned Questions avoid knowing that they do gender Strifes And the Servant of the Lord must not strive but be Gentle unto all Men apt to Teach Patient in Meekness instructing those that oppose themselves if God Peradventure will give them Repentance to the acknowledging of the Truth and that they may recover themselves out of the Snare of the Devil who are taken Captive by him at his Will 2 Tim. 2. 14 22. They are to banish Disputes of Words 2. Be Irreproachable in their Lives 3. Dispence
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
wrote Letters by them after this manner The Apostles and Elders and Brethren send greeting unto the Brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia Forasmuch as we have heard that certain which went out from us have troubled you with Words subverting your Souls saying Ye must be Circumcised and keep the Law to whom we gave no such Commandment It seemed good unto us being assembled with one accord to send chosen Men unto you For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things Act. 15. 22. The Apostles and Elders assembled having determin'd the Question propos'd to them send their Resolution to the Faithful and recommend it upon the Authority of the Holy Ghost and of themselves When they were dismissed they came to Antioch And when they had gathered the multitude together they delivered the Epistle which when they had read they rejoiced for the consolation Act. 15. 30. The Resolutions of the Apostles assembled are receiv'd by the Faithful and this with joy and comfort And as they went through the Cities they delivered them the Decrees for to keep that were ordained of the Apostles and Elders which were at Jerusalem And so were the Churches established in the Faith and encreased in number daily Act. 16. 4. The Decrees of the Apostles and Elders of the Church were deliver'd to the Faithful so were the Churches establish'd Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the Flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers to feed the Church of God which he hath purchased with his own Blood For I know this that after my departing shall grievous Wolves enter in among you not sparing the Flock Also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away Disciples after them Therefore watch Act. 20. 28. The Pastors of the Church by the Ordinance of the H. Ghost are the Overseers of the Flock and are to Feed it and by their watchfulness is it to be secur'd from the Errors of perverse Men. Ye know from the first day that I came into Asia after what manner I have been with you at all Seasons serving the Lord with all Humility of Mind and with many Tears and Temptations which befel me by the lying in wait of the Jews And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you but have shewed you and have taught you publickly and from house to house Act. 20. 18. They that teach the Flock are to persevere in their Duty with Patience and Humility amidst the Difficulties of their Charge They are not to dissemble the Truth but give Instructions in Families as well as in Public Wherefore I take you to record this day that I am pure from the Blood of all Men For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the Counsel of God v. 26. The guilt of their Blood is upon Pastors who perish because they have not been put in mind of their Duty And now Brethren I commend you to God and to the Word of his Grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified I have coveted no Man's Silver or Gold or Apparel Yea you your selves know that these hands have ministred unto my necessities and to them that were with me Act. 20. 32. They who Teach ought to Pray for the Flock and be as little a Burthen to them as they possible can I am Debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians both to the wise and to the unwise Rom. 1. 14. They who Teach do well in offering their Labor to all Partiality ought not to be mixt with their Charity I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth v. 16. They ought not to be asham'd of the Truth Christ sent me not to Baptize but to Preach the Gospel not with wisdom of words lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect 1 Cor. 1. 17. Simplicity more becoming the Gospel than humane Eloquence And I Brethren when I came to you came not with excellency of Speech or of Wisdom declaring unto you the Testimony of God For I determined not to know any thing among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified And my Speech and my Preaching was not with enticing Words of Man's Wisdom but in Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power 1 Cor. 2. 1. We are Laborers together with God 1 Cor. 3. 9. Let a Man so account of us as of the Ministers of Christ and Stewards of the Mysteries of God Moreover it is required in Stewards that a Man be found faithful 1 Cor. 4. 1. The Dignity of Preachers is very great their Fidelity ought to be so too But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you of Man's judgment 1 Cor. 4. 3. They are not to be Solicitous what Men say of them Who goeth to warfare any time at his own charges Who planteth a Vineyard and eateth not of the fruit thereof or who feedeth a Flock and eateth not of the Milk of the Flock Say I these things as a Man or saith not the Law the same also For it is written in the Law of Moses Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the Ox that treadeth out the Corn. Doth God take care for Oxen or saith he it altogether for our sakes For our sakes no doubt this is written That he that ploweth should plow in Hope and that he that thresheth in Hope should be Partaker of his Hope If we have sown unto you spiritual things is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things If others be Partakers of this Power over you are not we rather Nevertheless we have not used this Power but suffer all things lest we should hinder the Gospel of Christ Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the Temple And they which wait at the Altar are Partakers with the Altar Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel But I have used none of these things 1 Cor. 9. 7. It is allow'd Preachers to live by their Function but not to make a Trade of it S. Paul however made no use of this Allowance and this is more Perfect Though I be free from all Men yet have I made my self Servant unto all that I might gain the more To the Weak become I as Weak that I might gain the Weak I am made all things to all Men that I might by all means save some 1 Cor. 9. 19 22. A Condescendence of Charity proper for those that teach Now Brethren if I come unto you speaking with Tongues what shall I profit you 1 Cor. 14. 6. Preaching or Teaching in an unknown Tongue can do no good to the Hearers The Word of God
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