A Gospel Church, Chapter 6

A Gospel Church · Chapter 6

p. 119CHAP. VI.

Wherein the Duties of Church-Members to their Paſtours, or teaching Elders, are clearly opened and declared from Scripture.

Q. HOw ought Church-Members to behave themſelves towards their Paſtours, or teaching Elders? or what are their works and duties towards them?

Anſw. It is the will and appointment of the Lord Jeſus, the King & head of his Churches, that they ſhould carry and behave themſelves towards them in heart and practiſe, as to his Miniſters and Embaſſadors, who come to them in his name, by his Miſſion, Authority, and Commiſſion, with his Gifts and Grace; upon his Errand and Buſineſs, as alſo for their Souls profit. They bear his Image, wear his Livery, do his work, and ſerve his Intereſts in the Churches. And therefore he that ſlighteth or deſpiſeth them, ſlights and deſpiſeth him and his Father too; Luk. 10.16. and he or they, that receive them that love, honour & carry it well to them, becauſe they are his, ſent of him, Commiſſioned and qualified by him to ſerve and honour him in the Churches; they do thereby receive, honour and love Chriſt himſelf, Gal. 4.14. They receive, honour and love Jeſus Chriſt, in and by receiving, honouring and loving them as ſuch; and whatever good they do them, or whatever reſpect they p. 120ſhew them (as ſuch), the Lord Jeſus takes it as done to himſelf, Matth. 10. ult. Matth. 25. Therefore all Church-members ought to carry and behave themſelves well towards them, and amongſt other things in theſe particulars.

1. They ought to love them; I ſay to love them, and that with all cordial tender affection. They muſt not love them as they do other Saints of God, only; but they muſt have ſingular love for, and ſhew ſpecial love unto them, as Chriſts Embaſſadors, and their Miniſters, 1 Theſ. 5.12, 13. And we beſeech you Brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admoniſh you: And to eſteem very highly in love for their works ſake. They muſt be loved on ſeveral accounts. 1. As good men, and living Members of Chriſt; and ſo we are to love them as fellow-Brethren, as we do other private Members. 2. It is the will and appointment of Chriſt, that they be loved as his Embaſſadors and Commiſſioners, as his Stewards and Officers, gifted and ſent forth by him, about his concerns in his Churches, to do his work and buſineſs; and as repreſenting him, by officiating in his Name, by his Authority, and doing his Meſſage. 3. They ought to be loved as your Miniſters, Guides, Feeders, and Overſeers: as ſent unto you from Chriſt, and diſpenſing the bread of life, and the myſteries of the Kingdom of Heaven to you, declaring the Counſel of God, and adminiſtring his holy appointments to you for your preſent comfort, eſtabliſhment and growth in grace, and for your eternal happineſs hereafter, eſteem them very highly in love for their works ſake. p. 121Theſe are ſome of the Reaſons, why they ſhould be loved more than any other Believers; namely, becauſe they are ſent, Authorized, Graced, Gifted and qualified by Chriſt, do his work, repreſent him, ſtand in his ſtead, (2 Cor. 5.20.) and as they are his Miniſters for good to you. Well then, mind your duty, and the will of Chriſt in this matter, and love them ſincerely and heartily; ſtrongly and fervently, fruitfully and conſtantly; for they love you, ſtudy, pray and labour to do you good. And know that if you do not love them, you do not love Chriſt, whoſe they are, whom they repreſent and ſerve. And if you hate, ſlight and deſpiſe them, you do hate, ſlight and deſpiſe Chriſt himſelf in them.

Secondly, It is the will and appointment of Chriſt, your duty to honour and reſpect, to reverence and eſteem them, in their faithful diligent diſcharge of their Truſt, and performance of their work amongſt you. They are the Embaſſadors and Commiſſioners of your great Lord and King, and ſent by him from Heaven to you, (as was ſhewed) 2 Cor. 5.20. Eph. 4. and that about moſt high and honourable work, yea the higheſt work and ſervice that Creatures are capable of in this World. They come from, and are ſent to you by the King of Kings, from Heaven, and therefore they muſt be honoured. They are his Embaſſadors and Commiſſioners, and therefore you muſt honour them. They are ſent and come to you, as with his Image of Authority, ſo of Grace, Gifts, and Holineſs; and therefore you muſt honour them. They are ſent by Chriſt to you, on, and p. 122for the ſervice of your Souls; and therefore you muſt honour them: and they repreſent Chriſt, and ſtand in his ſtead to you, and therefore you muſt honour them. They do give up themſelves to be your ſervants, and thereby do honour you, 2 Cor. 4.5. and they chearfully ſerve the intereſt of your Souls, as your ſpiritual ſervants; and therefore you muſt honour them. Chriſt requires you to eſteem them, and that is not all; but to eſteem them highly, yea very highly too; 1 Theſ. 5.13. and therefore you muſt do it; Chriſt will not ſuffer you to ſlight or deſpiſe them, no more than Kings will endure that any ſhould ſlight or deſpiſe their Embaſſadors. If you have low, baſe thoughts of them in your hearts, you ſlight and deſpiſe them. If you ſlight and deſpiſe their labours and adminiſtrations, you deſpiſe them. If you villifie and ſpeak ſlightingly of them behind their backs, and devulge their ſuppoſed or real weakneſſes, you deſpiſe them. If you carry your ſelves ſaucily, and imperiouſly before their face, in words, deeds, or deportments, you ſlight and deſpiſe them; and if you controul them, and diſregard their Judgments, Cenſures, Admonitions or Reproofs, you ſlight and deſpiſe them; when you turn a deaf ear to their Counſels, Inſtructions and Exhortations you ſlight and deſpiſe them; and when you diſregard their power, Authority, and their exerciſe thereof in the name of Chriſt, you ſlight and deſpiſe them. In theſe and many other wayes and inſtances, Church-Members do not only neglect their indiſpenſible duty of honouring their Teaching-Elders, p. 123but they do ſlight and deſpiſe them alſo. And they do not only ſlight and deſpiſe them, but (as was ſaid) the Lord Jeſus, his Laws, Image, work and Authority alſo. For he that deſpiſeth you, deſpiſeth me (ſays Chriſt) Luk. 10.16. And by theſe and ſuch like ſlighting, and contemptible words, and carriages towards them, they do greatly provoke and diſcourage them: they weaken their hands, and diſtract their minds, and ſo hinder them in their work. They are honoured by Chriſt, and honourable in his eye; and he ſtrictly charges and commands his Churches to eſteem them moſt, or very highly, and to give them double honour, 1 Tim. 5.17. Let the Elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honour: eſpecially, they who labour in the word and Doctrine. Give (ſays the Apoſtle) to every man his due, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour, Rom. 13.7. It is their due by the Law of Chriſt, and he expects you ſhould give it to them: not as they are ſuch or ſuch men, but as his Embaſſadors, Miniſters, &c.

Thirdly, It is the will and appointment of Chriſt, that Churches ſhould pray for their Paſtours, or Teaching Elders, and that in a more than ordinary manner and meaſure; I mean, more than they do, or are bound to do for others, 1 Theſ. 5.25. Heb. 13.18. Rom. 15.30. you muſt be earneſt, and importunate wreſtlers with God (at the Throne of Grace) for them, that God would pour out abundance of his holy ſpirit on them, and by his teachings, quicknings and anointings, make them able Miniſters of the New Teſtament, not of the p. 124Letter (only) but of the ſpirit, 2 Cor. 3.6. That they may open their mouths boldly, have the gift of utterance, and ſpeak the Truth ſincerely, clearly, impartially, and conſtantly make known the myſtery of the Goſpel, Eph. 6.18, 19. Col. 4.3. That they may be kept from Snares and Temptations, or be enabled to encounter them, and with the Sword of the ſpirit to overcome and conquer them: and that they may be eminent ſhining lights in the world. That they may be able to divide the word aright, diligent in, and faithful to their Truſt. That they may be wiſe, zealous and glorious Patterns of Piety & all Godlineſs, and be kept unſpotted of the world; and that they may abound in all grace, gifts, works of holineſs and righteouſneſs. That they may Preach powerfully and profitably, and in all their wayes, words and carriages adorn the Goſpel of Chriſt, Tit. 2.10. That they may be found in the faith of the Goſpel, and hold faſt the profeſſion of the faith without wavering; Preach ſound Doctrine, clearly, plainly, and cloſely, Tit. 2.1. and in all things approving themſelves the true Miniſters of Chriſt. That God would give them the ſpirit of Diſcipline and Government, for the order and well being of the Churches, and the orderly management of their concerns, and that they may in all things walk by their Lords Rules, and aim at, deſign and uprightly intend his glory, and the profit of his people, and all others that hear them. There are many reaſons inforcing this duty on them to your Paſtours: Ile name a few, 1. Becauſe it is the will of God that you ſhould do p. 125ſo, as the aforeſaid Scriptures ſhew. 2. Becauſe they ſtand in need of your earneſt prayers. If the Apoſtles themſelves did ſtand in need of the Churches prayers, much more muſt ordinary Teachers need them. Their work is hard and difficult, who is ſufficient for it, 2 Cor. 2.16. Their diſcouragements are many and great, and their Temptations many, ſtrong and powerful. They have myſteries to unfold continually, and they have ſtronger Temptations to grapple with all, than others have; therefore they ſhould have your ſtrongeſt and moſt importunate prayers. Little do Churches know what they ſee, feel, and experience in their work, and therefore are apt to imagine, that their Teachers have an eaſie and ſweet life of it, and ſtand in little need of their aſſiſtance. But ſurely they are miſtaken; for there is no work in the world, ſo full of care and trouble as a conſciencious Miniſter is, nor any that requires more diligence, circumſpection, watchfulneſs and faithfulneſs than his. They work and labour in Divine Myſteries; and they work for Chriſt and Souls. Their matters lye above the reach of carnal and meer rational underſtandings; above the reaches of humane Arts and Sciences, and they are alwayes conſulting and converſant about new matters and things. Oh, what need have they of the Churches prayers! 3. Becauſe the Churches profit and Souls benefit, is much concerned in their Teachers Adminiſtrations. For God ordinarily ſpeaks to the Churches hearts, through or by their hearts, as well as by their mouths. The more they have of Chriſt, p. 126Grace, Truth, and the Spirit of Chriſt, the more powerful, ſpiritual and profitable they will be in prayer, Preaching, and in all other Miniſtrations unto them, Act. 14.1.

Fourthly, It is the will of Chriſt, and their indiſpenſible duty to know, obey, and ſubmit themſelves to their Teaching Elders or Paſtours Authority, Teaching, Government, and to all their regular and orderly. Miniſtrations in the Lord. The Church owes them ſubjection and obedience; and that as they are ſet over them by Chriſt, and by him made their Teachers and Rulers, and ſent by him to take the charge and overſight of them, and to Adminiſter his holy Ordinances to them in his name, for their good, Heb. 13.7, 17. Remember them that have the Rule over you (or are Guides unto you, as the words alſo ſignifie). Obey them that have the Rule over you, and ſubmit your ſelves; for they watch for your Souls, as they that muſt give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Without Government and Governours; power and Authority; Laws and Orders, and without ſubjection and obedience, in and of the Members of all ſorts of Corporations and Societies of men in the world, whether civil or Eccleſiaſtical, they will be, but confuſed Routs and Babels: There will be, can be nothing but confuſion and every evil work, as James ſpeaks, Chap. 3.16. If they are Rulers, and have Authority from the Lord Jeſus to appoint, order and command, as 'tis clear they have, (or they are but ſhadows or cyphers,) 2 Theſ. 3.4, 6. 1 Tim. 4.11. Tit. 2. ult. then they may, p. 127yea they ought to appoint, order and command, as they ſee occaſion, for the profit and well being of the Church, in purſuance of their work and truſt. And if ſo, then the Church and all the Members thereof, are indiſpenſibly bound to yield all free, hearty, willing, and chearful ſubjection and obedience to them, without grudging, quarrelling, or irregular gain-ſaying, that is, they are to eye the will and authority of Chriſt in, and expreſſed by them: and ſo to conform to it, as it is Chriſts, not theirs. They muſt obey them not as gifted men, but as the Embaſſadours, Miniſters and Officers of Chriſt, and it is Chriſt, and his will and Authority in them, that muſt be the object of their obedience and ſubjection. The neglect whereof is, when through careleſneſs or wilfulneſs, no leſs than diſobedience too, yea Rebellion againſt the Lord Chriſt himſelf, Luk. 10.16, 17. Col. 3.23, 24. Great was the love and care of Chriſt, as the head and King of his Churches, in providing Lawes, Rules, and Orders, as alſo in Authorizing and ſending ſome to execute them, for their ſpiritual good, and his glory. And therefore when Church-Members do ſlight, neglect, diſobey, and practically deſpiſe them; they do thereby ſlight, contemn and deſpiſe the love, care and Authority of Chriſt; and Chriſt accounts it ſo, although thoſe teaching Rulers are not Apoſtles, but ordinary Officers, as Luk. 10.16, 17. ſhews when the Lord Jeſus went to Heaven, he gave gifts to men, (viz.) Miniſters, and Miniſterial abilities to them, for the work of the Miniſtry, for the perfecting of the Saints, &c. p. 128Eph. 4.10, 11, 12. Then he delegated his Miniſterial power to men, promiſed to provide ſuch for his Saints, and to furniſh them with his own gifts, yea to be with them himſelf, unto the end of the world, Math. 28.18, 19, 20. Wherefore then, the Churches of Chriſt ſhould receive, ſubmit to and obey them (in a ſenſe) even as Chriſt himſelf, as they are Authorized, gifted, granted and ſent by him, in and about his meſſage, work and ſervice, in all their lawful commands and appointments, and regular Miniſtrations in and for the Churches. He that receiveth you, receiveth me (ſays Chriſt) of the 70. Diſciples he ſent to Preach, Luk. 10.16. Math. 10.40. And Paul commends the Galatians, for receiving him, as an Angel of God, even as Chriſt himſelf, Gal. 4.14, 15. and the ſame Apoſtle charges Titus, to ſpeak and act in the Church with all Authority, charging all the Members alſo, not to deſpiſe or ſlight him, for, or in his ſo doing, Tit. 2.15. If not to deſpiſe or ſlight him, then to honour, ſubmit to, and obey him, as Chriſts and their Miniſter. Well then! do the Elders or Paſtours of Churches carefully mind, and diligently labour in the Word and Doctrine, 1 Tim. 5.17. then all the Members of Churches are bound to obey them: to ſubmit to, and wait on their Miniſtry; and not deſpiſe them and it, by deſerting and withdrawing from it, in whole, or in part. (But more of this anon). 2. Do they appoint meetings, or call their Churches to aſſemble together for the celebration of any Ordinance of God, or to conſult about the matters and concernments of p. 129the Church for their profit and Chriſts glory? they are bound in duty to do ſo (excepting in extraordinary caſes that hinder them) as they will anſwer the contrary contempt to Chriſt, at their peril. They muſt not look on their practical conformity to it, as an indifferent matter, and ſtay at home, or come at their own will and pleaſure, but actually obey ſuch a call or ſummons as Chriſt's: not diſpute it, but obey it: not in the pride of their hearts diſdain it, but readily and chearfully ſubject to it. Obey them that have the rule over you, for they watch for your Souls; Heb. 13.17. and be ſure when they appoint ſuch meetings, it is for the Churches advantage. 3. Do they appoint or require ſpeech or ſilence in the Church, or any good Orders and Rules to be obſerved and kept in the name of Chriſt, and by his Authority? they are bound to obey them, without loading them, and obſtructing their proceedings with Jangling diſputes and oppoſitions. And as in theſe, ſo in all other matters, wherein the honour of Chriſt, the profit of the Church, or any Members thereof conſiſts.

Rulers muſt ſee that they command and appoint, order and rule wiſely, and faithfully, and keep cloſe to their Commiſſion; deſign and carry on Chriſt's holy ends in all: and as they muſt rule well, ſo all the Members ruled by them muſt obey well too. And when both do their duties in their places, the Lord Chriſt is honoured and pleaſed, and all the Church are, or may be profited and edified, and peace and truth promoted. But on the contrary, all confuſion, diſorder, and diſturbances will neceſſarily p. 130follow, as ſad experience hath abundantly proved in this Land.

It is a clear and certain truth, (obvious to all men) that if ſome muſt rule, others muſt obey? And if ſome are appointed and commanded by the Great and abſolute Soveraign to Rule and Govern well; then it muſt of neceſſity, be the indiſpenſible duty of others to ſubmit and obey well. All according and in obedience to the Authority and Soveraign will of their Great Law giver, the Lord Jeſus. Obey them that have the rule over you, and ſubmit your ſelves, is as indiſpenſible a duty, as any you have to do; which I could abundantly confirm, by many Scripture Reaſons, had I room in this Diſcourſe to enlarge on it.

Fifthly, It is the will of Chriſt, and the Churches indiſpenſible duty, to ſimpathize with their Teachers, to help and encourage them, to ſtrengthen their hands, and comfort their hearts; and to do all they can to forward them in their work: that they may fulfil their Miniſtry, and do their whole duty with joy, and not with grief, …ol. 4.17. Heb. 13.17. For whatever you do, for or againſt them, you do it for or againſt Chriſt himſelf, whoſe Embaſſadours and Officers they are to you, 2 Cor. 5.20. They have his Image of Authority ſtampt on them, and are ſent to you by himſelf about, and employed in his work amongſt you. They labour, toyl and ſweat, to ſerve and promote the intereſts and concernments of your Souls, and they make it their buſineſs to do you all the good they can: yea your happineſs and welfare is much wrapt up in theirs. And therefore when p. 131you burden and diſcourage them, you hinder your ſelves of profit, and when you comfort, help and encourage them in their Miniſterial work, you further your own happineſs thereby. This is clearly intimated by the Apoſtle, in Heb. 13.17. (before mentioned) Obey them that have the Rule over you: for they watch for your Souls; that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: Now mark his Reaſon, why! becauſe that will be unprofitable for you. The meaning is, the better you carry it towards your Teachers, who watch for your Souls, and the more profitable you are to them, the more profitable they will be to you: the more uſeful and comfortable you are to them, the more uſeful and comfortable they will be to you. We ſay, it is encouragement that makes a good Oratour, and much more doth encouragement from Chriſtians, make (in a ſenſe) good Miniſters. There is a great deal of difference between working under diſcouragement and encouragement, diſcouragements from Chriſtians do as it were unhinge Miniſters, and cauſe them to Travel in pain, like Porters, with preſſing heavy burdens on their backs. Their unkindneſſes do greatly cumber and diſtract them, trouble and perplex them, diſcompoſe and deject them: they exceedingly weaken their hands, and ſadden their hearts, and even make their lives a burden to them. And that becauſe the true Miniſters of Chriſt do ſo intirely and heartily love their people, as that, had they encouragement from them, they could freely ſpend, and be ſpent for them, 2 Cor. 12.15. and they do expect a great deal of hearty p. 132love and kindneſs from them again, as well they may; for that Chriſt requires it of them towards their Miniſters, and they ſpend their time and ſtrength in their ſervice and concernments; yea, and when they called them to take the overſight of them, they engaged ſo to do. But now being diſappointed of their ſo reaſonable expectation, they cannot but lay it to heart, and cry out of wrong, as Paul and Jeremy did. To prevent which, the Lord Jeſus charges and ſtrictly enjoyns all his people, to ſee they carry themſelves well towards his and their Miniſters. 1. By avoiding whatever may grieve or trouble them. 2. By giving them all poſſible encouragements. 1. Would you encourage and ſtrengthen your Teachers in their work, then attend on their Miniſtry and Miniſtrations, ſeriouſly, dutifully, conſcienciouſly and conſtantly. The neglect of your ſo doing, doth greatly diſcourage them, ſadden their hearts, and weaken their hands. The liberty ſome take (which Chriſt never gave them) to withdraw as they pleaſe, from their Miniſters, and rambling up and down here and there, as they pleaſe; either from their prejudice, pride, ignorance or giddineſs of ſpirit: or from a wanton, laviſh, vain ſpirit; from their itching cars (as Paul ſpeaks) 2 Tim. 4.3. or from the Devil; is exceedingly hurtful to them, as well as to the Souls of ſuch Tranſgreſſors. So likewiſe when they come to their Adminiſtrations unſeaſonably, or untimely, and do there carry and demean themſelves careleſly, indifferently and unreverently; they p. 133caſt a ſtumbling block before them, and cauſe great offence to them.

Therefore, you muſt attend on their Miniſtry, as on Chriſts and your own Miniſtry, ſeriouſly, timely, conſcientiouſly, diligently, freely, dutifully and conſtantly when they Preach and Adminiſter: for that is your duty, and the contrary is your ſin; which in time will find you out. For you by your ſo doing, walk diſorderly, ſcandalouſly, irregularly, and contrary to the charge given you, Heb. 10.24.25. not forſaking the Aſſembling of your ſelves together, as the manner of ſome is. You walk out of your folds, and prodigally run out of the place where the providence of God hath ſet you, and commanded you to abide and worſhip him in, until he do by ſome extraordinary diſpenſation call you off, you expoſe your ſelves to great danger, and tempt the holy Spirit to withdraw his Divine influences from you: and I dare peremptorily affirm, that while any do ſo, they are back-ſliding from God, and God is going off from them; that they ſhall never thrive nor proſper in Grace, nor have any Ordinances bleſſed to them; and though their wanton diſorderly wayes ſeem right unto them, yet they lead to death, Prov. 14.12. Moreover, ſuch neglects in Church-Members tends directly to the breaking of the Churches of Chriſt, and all good Order, Peace and proſperity in them; and to the bringing in of all irregularities and confuſion, to the great ſcandal of the Goſpel; diſhonour of Chriſt, offence of the faithful, and to the breaking of their Miniſters hearts. p. 134Which certainly will have bitterneſs in the end; although it may be pleaſing to the offenders a while. Oh! how grievous muſt ſuch courſes of Church-Members needs be unto their Paſtours? who have prayed, ſtudied, and laboured to make good proviſion for them, to comfort and build up their ſouls in Chriſt, and that in hopes of finding them there in a readineſs to receive it, when they come to hand it out to them; and then ſhall either find them gone, or elſe there in an irreverent and careleſs manner▪ This pierces their hearts, and deeply wounds their poor Souls. But on the contrary, when they ſee their flocks ſeriouſly, reverently, ſeaſonably, and conſtantly keep their places, and worſhip God together, conſcienciouſly and dutifully: this lightens, gladens and comforts their hearts; ſtrengthens their hands, and puts (as it were) a new life into them. It oyles the Wheels; and helps to make them run on eaſily, ſweetly and comfortably. If it be the duty of Miniſters to wait on their Office, to Preach the word in ſeaſon, and out of ſeaſon; to attend to the Miniſtry of the word, and to feed their flocks and watch over them; as indeed it is. Then undoubtedly, it is the indiſpenſible duty of ſuch to attend and wait on their Miniſtry. For the work is relative. And the ſame Authority that binds the one, binds alſo the other. The one muſt Preach and Adminiſter, and the other muſt freely, dutifully, and conſtantly wait on their Adminiſtrations. And let me tell you and aſſure you, that by your deſerting your Miniſters in whole or in part, you deſpiſe them p. 135and their Miniſtry; you expoſe your ſelves to inevitable Reproach (for it is a ſcandalous ſin) and your Miniſters and their Miniſtry to great deriſion and contempt, and this will coſt you dear one day.

Obj. But we cannot profit by them; their Miniſtrations are dead to us.

Anſw. It may be ſo, but whoſe fault is that, theirs or yours? will you lay the blame on them, when indeed it is your own? is that juſtice, or horrible injuſtice? Prov. 17.15. He that juſtifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the juſt: even they both are abomination to the Lord. You did once value and eſteem them, and found life and refreſhing in their Miniſtry? elſe why did you joyn with them, call and chuſe them for your Miniſters? They did not force themſelves on you, you were at your free choice, to refuſe them, and ſit down under others Miniſtry. Beſides, while you pretend that the cauſe of your deſerting ſuch as you have choſen and once found good by, others of the ſame Congregation find their Miniſtry very profitable to them ſtill, and continue to wait on it, and bleſs God for it; and abhor all thoughts of deſerting it: If ſo, then it is evident that God is with your Miniſters, and bleſſes their Miniſtry; and then what follows? but that the fault is in you, not in your Miniſtry. For why ſhould not you profit by it as well as others? but that the obſtruction is at home? And it would better become you, and argue a better ſpirit in you, to ſearch out the plagues of your own hearts, and lay the blame where it is, than where it is not. If p. 136you find no good by their Miniſtry, is it not becauſe you (1) have left God in ſecret? God and you are become ſtrangers at home? If it be ſo, as moſt likely it is, then wonder not if the Ordinances of God profit you not. For what can you expect to find in Divine Ordinances, when God is departed from you, becauſe you are departed from God? There is a woe pronounced to ſuch, Hoſea. 9.12. (2.) Do you not live in ſome known ſin without Repentance? It is more than probable you do: and if ſo, then be ſure you will find no good in any of Gods Ordinances, untill that Idol be removed by Repentance, out of your hearts and hands, Ezek. 14.2, 3, 7. Joſhua. 7. ſays God to ſuch, I will anſwer you according to your Idols; who preſume to come before me with Idols in your hearts, as every known ſin is. (3.) Have you not conceived a diſpleaſure, and taken up prejudice againſt your Miniſters perſons, or their Miniſtry. If ſo, no marvel if you profit not by them? But then I ſay, that's your fault, not theirs: you have laid a ſtumbling block in your own way, and obſtruct your profitting, by the works of your own hands. So ſome of the Corinthians were prejudiced againſt Paul, and they could by no means profit by his Miniſtry; and therefore away they go to Apollo. Why, what's the matter? why! he had not ſuch excellent ſpeech and language as Apolle had, 1 Cor. 2.1. and his bodily preſence is weak, and his ſpeech contemptible, 2 Cor. 10.10. Alas! Paul is an inconſiderable fellow; We did love, affect and wait, on his Miniſtry, and time was, we received profit by it. But p. 137now the caſe is altered; Paul is no man for us, no, but Apollo, a man of more Eloquence ſhall be our man now, a Ruſh for Paul. Well, to Apollo they go, and leave poor Paul to Preach to their ſeats, or ſhift for himſelf. But it is not long that Apollo ſhall pleaſe them and be their man, no, but to Cephas they go, and where then, God knows. But was this their vertue, and a proof of their ſpiritual growth and attainments? no, but on the contrary, the Holy Ghoſt tells them once and again, that they did wickedly by their ſhiftings from one Teacher to another, and proved themſelves but poor, low, carnal profeſſors, 1 Cor. 3.1, 2, 3. This is ordinarily (if not alwayes) one cauſe of mens leaving their own Miniſters. And you that are guilty of it now, will find this evil humour at the bottom of your ſhifting, and withdrawing from your Teachers; would you ſuffer your Conſciences to ſpeak out, and ſearch them to the bottom; but that you are not willing to ſee your own ſpots in a clear Glaſs. (4.) Do you not profit by the Miniſtry of your own Miniſters? why! is it not your Pride? do you not conceit that you are wiſer than they, and ſo they are unmeet and unworthy to teach you, and you are too high and good to learn or be taught of them? half an eye may ſee that this is alſo in the bottom of your deſertions: you are not poor and hungry hearers, nor little in your own eyes, but are too full of conceits of your own abilities, and baſe conceits of your Teachers; and therefore you are not profitted by their Miniſtry. This alſo was the Corinthians Diſeaſe, which made them ſlight Paul's p. 138Miniſtry as unprofitable and unworthy of them, 1 Cor. 4.2, 11. (5.) And as in theſe cauſes at home you will, or may find, why you do not profit by the Miniſtry of your own Teachers; ſo likewiſe becauſe the world, and the deceitful pleaſures and profits thereof do lye deep in your hearts, and ſwallow up, yea drown your minds and affections. In a word, you want love to Chriſt, his word, Ordinances and Miniſters, and therefore you do not profit, you do not pray heartily and fervently for them, that God would make them able Miniſters of the New Teſtament, and bleſs their Miniſtry to your Souls profit: and therefore they profit you not. Again, you trouble, diſtract and grieve their hearts, contrary to the will of God: and therefore they cannot profit you. And by theſe and many other ſinful wayes, you grieve the holy Spirit ſo, as that he will not concur with, nor bleſs and proſper their ſincere endeavours to do you good. But then I ſay ſtill, the fault is in you, not in them; they would, but cannot mend theſe things in you, but ſo may you if you will. And know for certain, that if you are really willing to know theſe and other cauſes in your ſelves; and ſhall deal truly with your own hearts, and conſciences in the caſe, you will find what I have ſaid to be a great truth. And whether or no, you will know and own it, yet be ſure that God (the great heart-ſearcher) doth know it is ſo. And let me adviſe and counſel you, in the fear of God, to haſten to find out theſe plagues of your own hearts, and ways, and get deep convictions of them; humble your ſelves p. 139before God unfeignedly for them: confeſs your Errours and ſins, and take the blame and ſhame to your ſelves, for harbouring ſuch Vipers in your boſoms; falſly blaming and charging your Teachers, with your own evils, juſtifying the guilty (your ſelves) and condemning the juſt (your Miniſters) which the Lord abhors. Sue out pardons in the blood of Chriſt, and do all you can towards the removal of all the hindrances of your profitting by your own Miniſtry, out of the way, and get a meek, humble, hungering and thirſting Spirit, a heavenly and ſpiritual frame of heart, love to Chriſt, his Word and Ordinances, to your own Teachers, and their Adminiſtrations; and ſee if the caſe do not alter. Prove, if their Miniſtry do not profit you, and if God do not indeed bleſs and proſper their labours to you. If you ſhall in good earneſt do theſe things, and come in obedience to hear them, as to an Ordinance of Chriſt for your good; look unto, and depend on him for his preſence and bleſſing on your attendance on their Miniſtry: ſet your ſelves in ſincerity of heart before the face of God to receive his word, and the bleſſed power and efficacy of it on your Souls, and give diligent attention to what you hear, and reſolve unfeignedly, and endeavour with all your abilities (as you are bound to do) to practiſe, and rightly improve all you hear to your own and others profit, and the glory of God in all. I dare boldly aſſure you, that you ſhall find the bleſſing of all Ordinances Adminiſtred by them to your Souls. Therefore try and prove it ſo (as you ought, and may do, and your own experiences p. 140will fully and clearly anſwer the objection, and remove all difficulties out of the way.

Obj. But we find the Miniſtry of others more profitable to us.

Anſw. That's ſtrange, and no leſs than a groſſe deluſion; for can you indeed believe on a Scripture foundation and evidence, that God hath commanded you to obey him to your loſs & detriment? God hath charged his Churches, to aſſemble themſelves together, namely, with their own Teachers, Heb. 10.25. and to obey them that have the Rule, or overſight over them; Heb. 13.17. and to know them which labour among them, and are over them in the Lord, and to eſteem very highly in love, for their works ſake, 1 Theſ. 5.12.13. here is your duty. And if ſo, then be ſure God intended all he commanded you, for your profit and advantage, and in no caſe to your diſprofit; he that hath with your own free conſent, ſet you in ſuch a Church, given you ſuch a Miniſtry, enclined your hearts to make choice of it, and them for your Miniſtry and Miniſters, ſealed their Miniſtry to others, if not to you (for the aboveſaid Reaſons) commanded them to feed you, and watch over you, and given them hearts to do it, from time to time; did undoubtedly know what was beſt for you, and deſign your profit, and the good of the whole. And if he had, had an intention to have made uſe of others, rather than of thoſe you have to your greater advantage, he would in ſeaſon have directed you to them, or elſe they to you; and not have ſetled you where you are, and have bound p. 141you there to abide in love and peace, and in a dependence on him for his preſence and bleſſing; to your wrong and prejudice, as the objection intimates. This objection ſets the Precepts and Orders of God, at diſcord and variance with his promiſes of his preſence and bleſſings with his people. For if he hath enjoyned you to aſſemble together, and keep to your own fold, under the Teaching and overſight of your own Miniſters, as he hath done; and yet as you ſay, he bleſſes another Miniſtry in an other place, that hath no ſuch Relation to you, as your own hath. Then I ſay, if that were true (as it is not) that God doth ſo bleſs that ſtrange Miniſtry, only in purſuance of his promiſes ſo to do. And if ſo, then his promiſes calls you out of your place to enjoy the good of them elſewhere, when his Rules and Precepts direct and engage you, to wait on, and worſhip God in your own Church. But who, that are not under ſtrong prejudices and deluſion can believe it, that God ſhould deal ſo with his people? or who durſt affirm in cold blood, that the only wiſe and righteous God, is contrary to himſelf? or that his Laws ſhould thus contradict his promiſes, or that his peoples duty and work lyes in one place, and the good of the promiſes in another, or that they muſt do their duty in one place, and yet expect the bleſſings of the promiſes in another, at the ſame time; yet this, and much more is implyed and included in the Objection. Is not this a charging God with folly? can any men in their ſober moods believe indeed, the matter of their own Objection, or the reaſon of their p. 142pretence, for leaving their own Miniſters and Miniſtry, and the Congregation to which they are with, and by their own free conſent united? I think not, neither dare they ſay in the preſence and fear of God; that they do ſo. But in truth, it is but a pretence to blind others eyes, and ſtop their mouths againſt their juſt reproofs, for want of better Arguments, which ſuch Tranſgreſſors are wholly deſtitute of; yet ſomething they will, and think they muſt ſay for themſelves, and the juſtifying of their diſorderly and ſcandalous practiſes, in deſerting their own choſen Teachers and Congregations; although it be never ſo abſurd and baſe. But ſad experience ſhews, what they profit by ſuch as they pretend to be more profitable to them, than their own Teachers are. Their words and carriages are loud proofs of it: or rather, that the Devils transforming themſelves into Angels of light to them, do, together with their own pride, prejudice, &c. perſwade and entice them to ſuch evil manners, and Churchdeſtroying practices: and to put a fair face on a foul matter, he helps them to defend themſelves againſt checks of Conſcience, and Reproofs of their Brethren, by ſuch ridiculous reaſons, or rather pretences, as theſe.

They care not how they charge God: wrong their own Souls; ſtumble and offend their Brethren, grieve and ſadden their own Miniſters, and caſt contempt on the Church and the Miniſtry thereof, ſo they may thereby, but gratifie their own luſts, their pride and prejudice; their humours and paſſions, and do what they pleaſe.

p. 1432. Be tender of your Miniſters good Names, and endeavour to preſerve them in Credit and Reputation, to the utmoſt of your power, as you have opportunity. For this is the will of Chriſt, and your duty. If you are charged to honour them, and highly to eſteem them for their works ſake? 1 Tim. 5.17. 1 Theſ. 5.12, 13. (as aforeſaid) then you are bound by the ſame Laws, to keep up and maintain their honour, credit and reputation among your own ſelves, and with others; and not hear them villified, ſlighted and contemned by Back biters, behind their backs, while you are lookers on, and hearers of it, and hold your Tongues, and ſpeak not for their vindication; as too many do. But rather joyn with them, and juſtifie ſuch wretches by their ſilence, and connivence (if not poſitively fall in with them) then ſhew their indignation againſt them, reſpect to, honour of, and zeal for their Miniſters and their Miniſtry. It is well known, that when their good Names ſuffer, the Miniſtry of Chriſt in their hands ſuffers with them, and proves a great hindrance to the Goſpel: and we cannot be ignorant of Satans devices, and his induſtry and deſign to obſtruct the Goſpel, and the profit of Souls, by ſtirring up evil Tongues, to blaſt their Reputation, who labour in the Goſpel. And the more faithful, diligent, ſincere and ſucceſsful they are, the more induſtriouſly will Satan, by his evil Inſtruments, purſue them with Reproaches; That ſo their labours may be rendred uſeleſs. Witneſs Jeremy, Paul, yea Christ himſelf, who were exceeding faithful, diligent, and uſeful in the World to p. 144men Yet how were they beſpattered with evil Tongues? and rendred unworthy Inhabitants of the World. And the ſame Spirit is ſtill working, and like Inſtruments ready to do the ſame work againſt your Miniſters now. Therefore you muſt do as Peter did, Acts 2.12, 13. when he heard the mouths of men open againſt them, namely, ſtand up ſtoutly for their vindication, and ſharply reprove their Back-biters, and wicked ſlanderers, and by no means give them any encouragement by your harkning to, or ſilence at them. Chriſt vindicated Joſhua againſt the Devils accuſation and Reproaches, Zach. 3.1, 2, 3, 4. ſo do you your Miniſters. But eſpecially, do not you, who are Church-Members, receive or entertain an accuſation againſt your Teachers at all, behind their backs, nor under two or three credible witneſſes, before their faces; nor be Whiſperers againſt, or Back-biters of them your ſelves, one to another. For that is ſuch horrible wickedneſs, as God, and their Lord and Maſter will moſt certainly revenge, and ariſe in due time to plead their cauſe againſt you, although he may ſeem to wink at it for a time. And know, that if your Miniſters know not your doings, yet God takes ſpecial notice of them, and will declare his abhorrence of them to your ſhame and ſorrow at laſt. Bleſſed Ezekiel, had his Whiſperers and Back-biters by the Walls, unknown to him, but God detected them, Ezek. 33.30, 31, 32, 33. (read the words at large) They were a Generation that carried it ſmoothly and fairly to his face, but cruelly ſnarled at him behind his back, and ſet their venomous Teeth in his p. 145fleſh, as too many Profeſſors do now deal with their Teachers. Many Church-members do greatly pleaſe themſelves now, with talking to one another againſt their Teachers, behind their backs, and blame them for this and that, and ſo wipe their mouths and ſay they have done no evil. They can with delight hear them villified; receive and entertain falſe accuſations againſt them, from their bitter Enemies; yea, and report what they have heard to others alſo; and bleſs themſelves in their ſo doing. But let ſuch know, that they have done very abominably and unrighteouſly, and their ſin will aſſuredly find them out in Gods time. The Lord Jeſus charges you, that you receive not an accuſation againſt an Elder, under two or three witneſſes, 1 Tim. 5.19. and yet they dare do it upon the back-biting accuſation of one malitious Accuſer. God charges you to honour your Miniſters, and to uphold and maintain their Credit and Reputation in the Church and World, for his name and Goſpels ſake, and the good of Souls. But you dare ſtand by, and by your ſilence countenance their back-biting Reproachers, while you hear them diſcredit and diſhonour them, and that which is yet worſer, you give your poſitive conſent to their wickedneſs, and joyn Iſſues with them by receiving, crediting and entertaining of what they ſay. God peremptorily charges you not to Whiſper againſt back-biters, nor ſpeak evil of any man, nor be a Tale-bearer, Levit. 19.16. Tit. 3.2. Jam. 4.11. Eph. 4.31. 2 Cor. 12.20. and particularly of Teaching-Rulers, Exod. 22.28. Act. 23.5. But you dare to do p. 146it (as it were) in ſpight of God and your own Conſciences, of, and againſt your Elders. Oh! let your Miniſters good Names, be of great eſteem with you, and near and dear unto you. Be you very cheary and tender of them, and do not in any way, by any means, either by Omiſſion or Commiſſion, diſhonour or diſcredit them. For by your ſo doing, you diſobey the will of God, and diſhonour him, and declare that you hate your Miniſters, although you pretend to love & honour them; that you contemn them, although you pretend the contrary never ſo much. Yea, you are guilty of real Murder, as I have abundantly proved from Scripture; in a book, entituled, The evil Tongue tryed and found guilty, &c.

3. Viſit your Miniſters often, and be not ſtrange, or ſtrangers to them; for that will much diſcourage them in their work. There is a near Relation between Paſtors and their Churches, which calls for frequent viſits; and your frequent viſits, if free and voluntary, and the fruits of your love to them, and eſteem of them, eſpecially if well improved, will be very refreſhing, comforting and encouraging to them. If they are freely willing to give you loving and profitable viſits; then ſo ſhould you to them; your Elders love your Company, and glad to ſee you free and open hearted in your converſes with them, about your concernments, when ſeriouſly and meekly managed; and the contrary is very grievous and offenſive to their Souls. For how can they think you love and eſteem them, when you will not vouchſafe (it may be) to give them a viſit, in p. 147a whole year together? or how can they believe you profit by, and value their labours, when you are ſo exceeding ſhy of their Company, and ſtrange in your carriages towards them; your voluntary viſits might be improved to great profit to both: and I am perſwaded, that the neglect of this is ſinful, and not a little detrimental, or injurious to their Souls. As their work will not permit it, ſo 'tis unreaſonable, that your Teachers ſhould alwayes go to you, if they will ſpeak with you. Therefore you ſhould come to them, as well as they go to you. Well then! encourage them, by your ſo doing, and you will reap the profit of it, as well as they. Let your love to them and eſteem of them; be ſeen in this, as well as in other expreſſions of them. For it is your duty ſo to do, as it is your duty to forbear whatever may diſcourage them, and do all you can to encourage and forward them in their work. But be ſure, that your viſits be not in vain, but to ſpiritual profit; And that they are indeed, the fruits of your cordial love to, and eſteem of them, or elſe they are no better than painted Images, and whited Sepulchres; and you will appear to be no better than Ezekiels hearers were to him; who with their mouths did ſhew much love, but their hearts were of another mould, Ezek. 33.30. ult.

4. Stand by them, and help to bear their burdens, when you know them, and they require your aſſiſtance. Bear ye one anothers burdens, and ſo fulfil the Law of Chriſt, Gal. 6.2. If you know them fall into, or under any Sin or Temptation, ſet your hand to lift them up again; If p. 148they fall under afflictions, help to bear them for them. Be like the good Samaritan in this matter, Luk. 10. and not like the cruel Prieſt and Levite, who ſaw the wounded man lay weltring in his blood, and crying out of his wounds, and left him to ſhift for himſelf, 31.32. verſes, no, but ſhew your ſelves good Samaritans, who ſimpathized with, and actually helped him in his diſtreſs, according to his need. If your Miniſters muſt ſimpathize with you, and help you in your needs, then you muſt do the ſame to them. Shew bowels of love and pity to them, and ſet your hands and ſhoulders too, to help them under their Sins, Temptations, and other Tryals and Afflictions; and if poſſible to lift them out of them. Are they reproached? help to bear their burdens. Are they perſecuted by men? help to bear their burdens. And do the like in all other weighty caſes for them. Oh! how many are there, who pretend highly for Heaven? but care not what becomes of their painful Miniſters. Who can hear of their troubles and ſorrowes, and Galio like, care for none of theſe things, nor ſeriouſly mind, whether they ſink or ſwim; but like Pauls pretended friends, who when they ſaw him in deadly danger, forſook him, 2 Tim. 4.16. and left him to ſtand or fall by himſelf.

5. Blame not their Miniſtry to one another, eſpecially behind their backs, neither ſlight and undervalue their gifts, graces, or any of their endeavours and labours, in and for the Church, although they may not in all things ſuit or pleaſe your humours, thoughts or opinions. For they p. 149are bound in their Adminiſtrations, to pleaſe Chriſt, and follow their own light and judgments, their perſwaſions and conſciences in all things, for the Churches edification; and not to walk according to the judgments, will and pleaſure of their Church-Members, either in their Doctrine or Diſcipline. And thoſe Churches that will impoſe their own apprehenſions and opinions on their Paſtors or Elders, and load them with burdens of work and duty, which the Lord Jeſus never commanded them, are in their ſo doing, no leſs than Tyrannical-Uſurpers over them. For if Elders may not impoſe any thing or matter on the Churches, but the yoke and will of Chriſt, much leſs may the Churches impoſe their own opinions on their Elders. We ſay, that it is too hard a matter for any man to pleaſe all men, and experience ſhews, that it is as hard a matter for any Elders of Churches to pleaſe all their Members; but that one or other will be offended at this, another at that; and then divulge their diſlike of this or that in them unto others, and endeavour to bring them into diſlike of it alſo: And then to make it their buſineſs to tattle and talk of it one to another, until they have run themſelves into further miſchiefs. Therefore Miniſters, may no further ſeek to pleaſe their Churches, then in and by their ſo doing, they may pleaſe Chriſt their Lord. And what that is, I ſhould think, that their Elders ſhould underſtand as well, if not better than they. Paul ſought not to pleaſe men, but God in his Miniſtry, Gal. 1.10. Some Profeſſors do delight themſelves in this evil p. 150work, namely, in ſeeking matters, and making faults againſt their Elders, and then poſſeſs others with their own inventions; and if they do not gratifie and pleaſe them in all things, they ſhall (be ſure) to pleaſe them in nothing. All their works are blame-worthy, in their account. But as this ſhews that they are acted by a Spirit of Pride and prejudice againſt their Elders, ſo they do thereby declare their own folly, and lay open their own nakedneſs, with a witneſs: yea, they diſhonour Chriſt, hinder the profit of their own and others Souls, by their ſo contemning his and their Miniſtry; and greatly grieve and ſtumble their Teachers, and cauſe them to walk up and down with ſad hearts. Therefore do you take heed and beware of this evil, for the Devil will tempt you to it, that he may hurt your Souls, afflict your Teachers, and hinder the Goſpel; you ſhould commend and eſteem whatever is their vertue, whatever you may ſee lovely in them; and if you ſee any defects, or unavoidable weakneſſes in them, to caſt a mantle of love over them; and by all means endeavour to keep up in each others hearts, a due eſteem of, and reſpect unto them, and their Miniſtry, that the Goſpel be not hindred, but furthred and encouraged by your means.

6. Joyn with your Teachers, and that by affording them your Concurrence and utmoſt aſſiſtance, in their endeavours to promote good things in, for the good of the Church; and do not hinder, or load ſuch overtures, deſigns and endeavours of your Miniſters, by your abſence, groundleſs diſputes, or by your ſullen ſilence there. When p. 151they propound any matter to you for your profit, and the welfare of your Souls, the peace and proſperity of the Church, or the benefit of others: then weigh and ponder well the reaſons which they give, for what they do, or deſire ſhould be done, or omitted, by themſelves or the Church, or altogether; and if you cannot null and anſwer them, or bring better for the contrary; then you ſhould quietly, thankfully, and peaceably accept of theirs, acquieſce in them, and encourage them in their deſign, and not put difficulties in the way, by ſome ſingular notions of your own. Do as Nathan did, when David propounded a caſe to him, and told him, that it was meet God ſhould have a houſe built for his Name and Worſhip, and gives him ſome reaſon for his propoſition. Nathan replyes, Go, do all that is in thy heart, 2 Sam. 7. He ſaw it a moſt reaſonable and uſeful an undertaking, and freely complyed with David, and encouraged him to go on and proceed. WHy ſhould not you comply with your Teachers? when they deſign and propound ſome good work, to be carried on, for the glory of Chriſt, and benefit of his Church, or other men? and why ſhould not their reaſons be ſoberly and humbly conſidred of by you, and oblige you to practiſe, unleſs you can null them, and with peace and meekneſs propound better to them for their ſatisfaction. It is ſad when Members of Churches ſhall be ſo highly conceited of themſelves, and their own Notions, as that they ſhall deſpiſe and turn (as it were) a deaf ear to all the reaſons of their Elders, and delight in being ſingular from them p. 152and their fellow-Brethren, in Church-matters: and in contending for Victory, rather than for Truth. This ought not to be. For it makes Church-work tedious, ſpoyls the beauty and lovelineſs of it; yea it marrs the Harmony of Church order. And this is diſhonourable to Chriſt, and the Church; and exceedingly grievous to your Teachers: who do unfeignedly ſeek and aim at your good in all; and dare not do otherwiſe for fear of offending Chriſt their Lord.

7. Encourage them with your Purſes alſo. For it is the will of Chriſt that you ſhould do ſo. They labour for your Souls, and ſpend their time and ſtrength to do you all poſſible ſervice, in their places and capacities; and therefore it is moſt reaſonable that you ſhould labour and provide for their bodies. They ſpend for you, and therefore you ſhould ſpend for them. They are Shepherds; do watch over and wait on you, their Flocks. And I appeal to any indifferent Judgment, if it be not a moſt reaſonable thing, that they ſhould live by the milk of their Flocks? ſurely! Paul, yea the Holy Ghoſt thought ſo, 1 Cor. 9.7, 8. and therefore have declared it, for our Learning and practiſe. It was Gods Ordinance under the old Teſtament, and it is ratified and confirmed to men, under and by the new Teſtament alſo; namely, that Miniſters ſhould be honourably and comfortably maintained, by their Congregations. The Great God took ſpecial care about it, and made proviſions for their maintenance, aſſoon as he had ordained and ſet them up, and appointed and ſet them out their work. And p. 153God ſtrictly-charged his people, to ſee that they did not at any time forget or neglect the Levite, but pay them all that he had ſet out and appointed for them, and that then, when by reaſon of Age, or other impediments, they could not Miniſter to them, and for them, as well as when they did, Numb. 3.6. to the 14. vers. Numb. 16.9, 10. Deut. 26.2.15. vers. Deut. 10.8, 9. Numb. 7.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Deut. 12.19. Deut. 14.26, 27, 28, 29. Deut. 18.1, 9. Now Gods care of, and goodneſs to his Embaſſadours, did not dye with the Ceremonial Law, but he hath continued it under the Goſpel, and therein ſtraitly charged his people to provide for them, according to their abilities. God commands his people to communicate to their Teachers in all good things, Gal. 6.6. Let him that is taught in the word, communicate to him that Teacheth, in all good things. And in 1 Cor. 9.14. The Apoſtle aſſures us, that it is not of men, but a real and unchangeable Ordinance of God, now, by, and under the Goſpel. For (ſays he) ſo hath God ordained, that they that Preach the Goſpel ſhould live of the Goſpel. (Mark), it is ordained; God hath made it a Statute. Law, that cannot be altred, neither may it be tranſgreſſed under pain of Gods high diſpleaſure. And the Apoſtle argues (by the Spirit) the juſtneſs, and the undoubted reaſonableneſs and righteouſneſs of mens ſo doing, and that the evidence of meer Reaſon, and the Dictates of natural Conſcience, without either written Law or Goſpel, will abundantly prove, and undeniably conclude this Truth, againſt all oppoſition whatſoever, 7.10. verſes. p. 154And proves, that it is not matter of gift or charity, (as it is to give to men in diſtreſs, to whom we are not endebted nor related) but that it is debt and juſtice; or a due debt in ſtrict Juſtice: and that by a threefold Law, (viz.) The Law of Nature, the written Law of God, in the old Teſtament; and the new Law or Goſpel, as in this, 1 Cor. 9. from the 5. to the 15. verſ. he evinces, ſo in Gal. 6.6. and Rom. 15.27. And ſays the Apoſtle in 1 Cor. 9.11. v. If we have ſowen to you ſpiritual things, is it a great thing, if we ſhall reap your carnal things. As if he had ſaid, alaſs! Theſe are but light, ſmall and low matters that you give us, for our pains and labours, in compariſon of what we do for and diſpenſe to you. Your carnal things, that you impart to us for our bodies, are not comparable to our labour, pains and care to impart ſpiritual Riches to your Souls. And therefore if you grudge at your parting with yours to us, know, that you grudge us ſmall and very inconſiderable things, in compariſon of what we diſtribute to you. This is another of your works and duties to your Teachers. You muſt therefore do it, and that 1. Chearfully and willingly, not grudgingly; heartily, not hypocritically and indifferently: dutifully, and in obedience to the will of Chriſt, not as an arbitrary thing, that you may, or may not do, at your own will and pleaſure; Conſtantly and perſeveringly, not for ſome time onelyonly. And ſee that your ends be right in it, namely, to encourage your Miniſters, propagate the Goſpel; to profit Souls, to ſerve, pleaſe and honour the Lord Jeſus; and that in p. 155the right performance of your duty to Chriſt & his Miniſters, you may enjoy the good of the promiſes, and the bleſſings of all Chriſts Ordinances adminiſtred by them.

But that I may a little more inforce this on your Conſciences, be pleaſed to conſider, Firſt, That your Miniſters are appointed, commanded, and they do wholly attend on Chriſt, and the ſervice of your Souls. They are ſaid to wait at the Altar, 1 Cor. 9.13. and commanded to give themſelves wholly to their work of Teaching, Ruling, Reading, Meditation, Study, and Exhortation, that their profiting may appear to all: that they may rightly divide the word of Truth, and that by ſo doing, they may both ſave themſelves, and them that hear them, 1 Tim. 4.13, 14, 15, 16. 2 Tim. 2.15. They muſt Preach the word in ſeaſon, and out of ſeaſon, &c. 2 Tim. 1.2. Feed their Flocks, and take the care and overſight of them, Act. 20.28. 1 Pet. 5.1, 2. And therefore you muſt take care of their bodies, on whom they attend. For you ſee that they may not, cannot follow other Employments to get Bread, becauſe they are commanded to do other work for you, & the greatneſs & difficulty of their own proper work, neceſſitates them to wait on, and attend to it with all diligence. Therefore you ought to provide for them, all ſuitable ſupplyes, becauſe they cannot, may not do it themſelves. (2.) Conſider, that you are plainly and peremptorily commanded, and charged to Communicate to them, in, and of all your carnal things, as you heard before. And therefore you are by Chriſts Authority, and revealed will, indiſpenſibly bound to do it, and p. 156that without grudging or gain-ſaying. For a plainer, and a more Indiſpenſible dury is not impoſed upon you (who are able) in the Goſpel: and therefore you cannot plead ignorance, for the breach or neglect of it. And if you do not obey your God and King in this, as well as in other things; how can you be called, obedient Children, 1 Pet. 1.14. and how ſhall Chriſt commend you, as he did Zachary and Elizabeth, for walking in all his Commandments and Ordinances, blameleſly? Luk. 1.6. Or how can you expect that Chriſt ſhould ſay unto you, well done good and faithful ſervants? You have done that which was your duty to do: when you know, that you lived in the wilful neglect of a known and eaſie duty? (3.) Conſider, that God takes ſpecial notice of your doings and carriages towards his Embaſſadors, and your Teachers. He is privy to all your wayes; and will abundantly reward all your kindneſſes and unkindneſſes to them, and that becauſe they are his and yours. Therefore, be careful to demean and carry your ſelves towards them ſo, as that the Lord Jeſus may ſay to you, well done good and faithful Servants, you have been kind and good, reſpectful and dutiful to my Miniſters, and to me in them. And therefore I will recompence all your work of faith and labour of love to them. For what you did to them, as they were my Miniſters, you did to me; I take all, as done to my ſelf, enter into the joy of your Lord. Theſe are ſome, and but ſome of the Churches duties towards their Paſtors, or Teaching-Elders. For although I have been larger on this head than I p. 157intended, yet I forbear ſpeaking any more, leſt ſome ſhould think, I ſay too much.