A Gospel Church, Chapter 6
CHAP. VI.
Of meer Ruling-Elders, and Deacons of their Office, Work and Power in the Church. How they ought to do their Work, and for what ends they are ſet in the Church. As alſo the Churches duty to them; with the neceſſary qualifications of ſuch Officers.
Queſt. WHat other Officers hath Christ appointed for, and ſet in his Church or Churches, in the New Teſtament, beſides Teaching-Elders.
Anſw. The Lord Jeſus hath ſet in his New Teſtament-Churches, Ruling-Elders and Deacons. Ruling-Elders, or Elders, whoſe chief, if not only work is to rule in the Church, and to help to Mannage the Diſcipline thereof, with the Teaching-Elders; ſeems to be warranted in the Goſpel. The Texts that ſpeak moſt clearly in the caſe, are in the 1 Tim. 5.17. Rom. 12.8. 1 Cor. 12.28. In Timothy, they ſeem to be expreſly diſtinguiſhed from Teaching Ruling-Elders: Let the Elders that Rule well, be counted worthy of double honour; eſpecially, they who labour in the Word and Doctrine. This eſpecially, refers to ſuch Ruling-Elders, whoſe work and main buſineſs is to Teach, and who are eſpecially therefore, worthy of double honour, for that they have a double work and Office, namely, Teaching and Ruling. But the firſt part of the words ſpeaks of meer Ruling-Elders, who in the faithful, diligent, and conſcientious diſcharge of their Office and Truſt in the Church, are counted worthy of double honour, and ought to be honoured and reſpected as ſuch, by the Church; not as they are Elders, but Elders who mind their buſineſs, and perform their work well and faithfully, as becomes Stewards of the houſe of God. In the Romanes, the words are theſe: He that Ruleth with diligence. In the 6. and 7. verſes, we have the Apoſtle ſpeaking to another ſort of Officers, namely, Teachers; whoſe greateſt work is to Propheſie, Miniſter and Teach. And therefore (ſays he) let ſuch wait on that part of their work. Then he comes to another ſort of Officers, and theſe ſayes he, are to Rule with diligence: Not to attend to Teaching, as the others were to do, but to Ruling, and that with diligence; whereby he diſtinguiſheth the one from the other, and ſhews that they are diſtinct perſons and Officers from the Teachers, before mentioned. In like manner, the Apoſtle ſeems to me, to point out this ſort of Office and Officers, in the 1 Cor. 12.28. God (ſaith he) hath ſet ſome in the Church, firſt Apoſtles, Secondarily Prophets, Thirdly Teachers; then Helps, Governments. Now what ſhould theſe helps, Governments be, as here and elſewhere diſtinguiſhed from teaching Ruling-Elders, but this ſort of Ruling-Elders, I am ſpeaking of? For as every Church of Chriſt needs Teaching, ſo alſo Government and Diſcipline for their order and well being. But becauſe the Teaching Elders cannot attend continually to their Ruling work (becauſe their Teaching and Miniſtring other Ordinances diverts them from it) ſo often as need requires; therefore hath God ſet in his Churches meer Ruling Elders, that they, (as Moſes his 70. Elders) may help to bear the burden, and aſſiſt the Teaching-Elders in the Diſcipline and Government of the Church. And therefore they are in the Corinths, joyned to the Teaching Ruling-Elders, (and alſo in the Romanes) and they are expreſly called Helps, Governments, for that they are given of God, to help their Teachers or Paſtors in the Government of the Church. And truly it hath its weight with me, namely, the neceſſity of ſuch Officers in the Churches, to help their Paſtors in the Government thereof. For as Satan is more buſie and vigilant in the Churches, to cauſe diſorders therein, than in any other Societies of men; So there is the more need of diligent and careful Government and Inſpection, to keep all in order. And as was ſaid before, the Teaching-Elders cannot ſo conſtantly attend to the work of Diſcipline, becauſe of their other work, as need requires; therefore there is a kind of neneſſity of meer Ruling-Elders, to help and aſſiſt them, in the well Ordering and Governing the Church. Thus we ſee, that there are ſuch Officers, and ſuch an Office in the word of God.
Queſt. For what ends hath God ſet Ruling-Elders in his Church, and what is their Office, Work, and Power there?
Anſw. Although the Scripture ſeems to ſpeak but little of thi… matter, namely, of their work, uſe and ends for which they are ſet in the Church, particularly; yet if it be clear, that ſuch an Office, and Officer diſtinct from the Teachers, are given to, and ſet in the Church, by the Lords appointment; and that they are Authorized and Empowred by Chriſt, to Act and Officiate there, in his Name, then (I ſay) it is certain, they have their ſpecial work to do there; for they are not ſet there to have a Name, and ſignifie nothing elſe, but they have their work there, as ſuch, which they are diligently to attend unto, for the benefit of the Church, and the glory of Chriſt their Lord. Now what their work and buſineſs is, I ſhall ſearch out, and diſcover, as well as I can, and that with all poſſible brevity.
Firſt then, they are expreſly called Ruling-Elders, or Elders that Rule, in the Scripture. 1 Tim. 5.17. Now what doth their Name and Office ſignifie and imply, but that they are to aſſiſt their Teachers in the orderly Government of the Church, (as was ſaid before). And I think their work lies chiefly in theſe Ten things.
1. In looking after the Converſations of ſuch, as propound themſelves to joyn with the Church, that the Church admit not any ſcandalous perſons amongſt them That if they are ſuch, they may be debarr'd and kept out; if otherwiſe (together with other qualifications) they may be received in. This I judge to be one part of their work. For certainly, it is one part and end of Church-power, to keep the Church clear from ſcandal and offence. And they may and ought to do it Authoritatively, and not as private Members may do it, only.
2. In the abſence, or upon the deſire of the Paſtor, they may admit or take Members into the Church, or rather take them into Church-Memberſhip, by giving them the right hand of fellowſhip, and ſhewing them their duty and priviledge in a Church-State. And herein they repreſent the Church, and act Authoritatively therein for them. This is another part of their Office, VVork and Power. And it requires good abilities, to do it well, and to purpoſe.
3. They may when need requires, command ſpeech and ſilence in Church-meetings, for the preventing of Diſorders and diſorderly Members, in their words and carriages, and they may authoritatively and publickly admoniſh and reprove ſuch in the face of the Church, which private Brethren may not do.
4. They may in ſome caſes, with the conſent of their Paſtor or Teacher, (if at home) call and aſſemble the Church together, for the preventing of ſome apparant evil, or promoting of ſome good thing or work in the Church. Or in caſe the Paſtor ſhall knowingly neglect to do his duty in the caſe, or caſes aforeſaid, doubtleſs, the Ruling-Elders may and ought to do it; and the Church ought to obey their call. For they do it by the Authority they have from Chriſt, for the good and benefit of the Church. But this may not be done by any Member, that is not an Elder, but in the want of an Elder. And when they are aſſembled together, they may authoritatively propound the cauſes and ends for which they called them there, and require their aſſiſtance.
5. Their work is to inſpect, and carefully, diligently, wiſely and faithfully to look after the walkings and converſations of all the Members of the Church. This is the chief part of their work. They are not only to take cognizance of what is brought to them, by others Reports, but to enquire after them. They are bound by virtue of their Place and Office, to ſee if the Members keep cloſe to Church-meetings, and reverently attend them, and if they do not, to Reprove, Admoniſh & Exhort them, to Teach and Inſtruct them. That they may know their duty; be convinced of their ſinful neglects, repent of and amend them, and that by their good Counſels and Exhortations, they may be provoked and encouraged to, and in their work. Ruling-Elders, ſhould in this matter, as alſo in comforting the afflicted, and ſpeaking words in ſeaſon to him that is weary, be able, and alſo (foreign) apt to Teach, 1 Tim. 3.2. as well as the Paſtors. The one more privately and particularly, and the other more publickly. For as the Deacons work is to look after the wants and corporal concernments of the Church, and provide for the poor, and the Teachers to mind and look after the concernments of their Souls, and make proviſions for them according to their needs; So Ruling-Elders have their work, namely, to look after the manners of all the Members of the Church. To encourage and ſtrengthen the hands of the Tractable and Obedient, and to reprove, convince, and perſwade the Diſobedient; that they may do what they ought.
6. And therefore, they ſhould often viſit them, and ſee how they do, and how they walk; what they want, and wherein they need their aſſiſtance, and helping hand; and when they know it, to hold it out unto them, freely and readily. Certainly Elders ſhould be intimately acquainted with their Congregations, and with their walkings alſo. For if any miſcarry through their default or neglect, the guilt will lie at their Doors, and the Lord Jeſus will require it at their hands. Oh! that Elders would ſerioufly conſider it, and lay this matter near their hearts, and ſuffer it to penetrate and pierce their Conſciences; and that they would conſider in good earneſt, wherefore they are ſet in the Church, and for what ends they have Rule and Diſcipline put into their hands: That under deep Convictions, they may be induced to diſcharge their work, and perform their Truſts, mind their Duty, and proſecute the ends of their appointment; that God may be well pleaſed with, and bleſs them, own and delight to uſe them, for his glory in the Church; and that they receiving benefit by their wiſdom, diligence and faithfulneſs, may rejoyce in, and bleſs God for them.
7. They muſt take up Controverſies, and endeavour to end ſtrifes and debates in the Church, when ſuch evils happen; which are found too frequent, through the Pride and prejudice of our hearts, and the Temptations of the Devil; who is a great Adverſary to the Peace, Beauty, Order and Proſperity of Churches. Ruling-Elders muſt not ſuffer any quarrels, or contentions, either in publick or private, either between a few or many, but preſently interpoſe their VViſdom and Authority to decide and reconcile the cauſes and perſons, and ſet all in joynt again. For ſuch evils if let alone, will prove like Cancers in the body, and encreaſe to more ungodlineſs, as the Apoſtle ſpeaks. Therefore the Elders ſhould enquire into them, and ſearch out ſuch as did the wrong, began the ſtrife, and ſuch as they find are adicted to take up prejudices againſt, and foment debates with their Brethren; and correct the offenders, and releive the wronged and oppreſſed, as they ſee cauſe. There muſt be no Hammer, no knocking heard in the Temple of God. And wee to them who give occaſion for ſtrife and debate, and to ſuch as do improve occaſions in ſuch a manner, alſo; ſo likewiſe, to negligent and careleſs Elders, who do, or may know theſe evils, and yet let them alone, or ſeek to heal them in a ſlight manner, as if they had nothing to do with them, or were not indeed much concerned in them. But ſurely, this is one of your great works, as you have the power of Rule and Government in your hands, for the good of the Church. And you may authoritatively take up Controverſies, and require the Members of the Church to hearken to you. And you may do Chriſt and the Church great ſervice, in this matter. Therefore mind it in good earneſt.
8. Their work is to aſſiſt and encourage the Teaching-Elders, and to promote and ſet forward the Goſpel in their hands. They muſt ſtand by, and ſtand up for their Teachers, and not ſuffer them to be wronged, obſtructed, or diſcouraged by any, ſo far as they can prevent it, by their power and wiſdom. Do any back-bite them? Rprove them. Do any ſlight or contemn their Miniſtry? Reprove them, & ſhew them the evil of it, & whence it is. And they ſhould aſſiſt and help them with their company, Advice and Counſel, when deſired, and need requires it. Moreover, they ought to do all they can to make the Miniſtry of their Teachers acceptable unto the Church, and to ſee that all do their Duties to them. That they defraud not their Teachers of convenient and due maintenance, nor carry themſelves rudely and diſreſpectfully unto them, or towards their Miniſtry: and that they warn and exhort them to do their Duty to them, as Chriſt hath commanded. That they conſtantly, ſeaſonably and reverently attend to, and wait on their Miniſtry, and to make holy earnings and improvements of it.
9. They ought to project and prepare good orders and matters for the profit of the Church, to help forward and promote any good things preſented to them by their Teachers, and help to carry them on, unto perfection. But in an eſpecial manner they ſhould concur with them, in promoting Holineſs and the power of godlineſs in the Church: and that by Counſel, Inſtruction and Exhortation. For that is the Churches Ornament, Beauty and Glory, Pſal. 93. ult. They ſhould labour to promote, Goſpel-light, life, zeal, humility, meekneſs and good works. They ſhould labour to promote Godlineſs in the Churches Families, in their hearts, and converſations among t men, and in their Meetings and Aſſemblies, to the utmoſt of their power, and not leave all to their Paſtors to do. They are indeed indiſpenſibly bound to promote it all they can, by their Preaching and walking; and that publickly and privately; and Ruling-Elders are to do it privately, and particularly. And becauſe the frequent Meetings of Chriſtians for Prayer and Diſcourſe, is a Duty exceeding profitable and beneficial unto their Souls, when rightly improved, wiſely and ſpiritually managed; the Elders ſhould encourage it, ſet it forward, and endeavour to maintain and uphold ſuch good VVorks and Duties amongſt all the Members of the Church. For ſuch Meetings, will greatly promote Godlineſs, and keep a Savour of Chriſt on the heart. Now who ſhould promote and further this good work, ſo much as the Elders; who may and ought authoritatively to do it? This is another of their works and buſineſſes in the Church. Therefore ſee you do it in good earneſt, who are Elders.
10. Laſtly: Ruling-Elders (as well as Teaching) have another great work to do in and for the Church: and that is to be ſingularly exemplary in their words, deeds and carriages. Be thou an example (ſayes the Apoſtle to Timothy; 1 Epiſtle, 4.12.) to the Believers, in Word, in Converſation, in Charity, in Spirit, in Faith, in Purity: for without theſe things all the reſt is worth nothing at all. Elders and their VVives and Children (as well as the Deacons) ſhould be examples and encourageing Patterns of Meekneſs and humility to others, in their Garbs or cloathings. Elders ſhould be ſingular in wiſdom, zeal, ſeriouſneſs and gravity; in love, ſweetneſs, diligence, faithfulneſs, ſpirituallity, Heavenly mindedneſs, and in all good works. Shew thy ſelf (ſayes Paul) a Pattern of good works in all things, Tit. 2.7. They muſt ſo walk, as that others may ſafely follow their ſteps, and be excited and encouraged ſo to do, by their examples. They are indiſpenſibly bound to be good examples out of, and in the Congregation or Church, when aſſembled together to worſhip God. Then ſhould the Elders ſhew good examples to the whole Church, by their timely coming there, and by their holy, ſerious and reverent carriages and deportments in the worſhip of God. For when they neglect their place and duty there, or come unſeaſonably, carry themſelves careleſly and unreverently; they tempt others to do ſo too. For as they are Elders over the Church, and have a Name among them; ſo they eye them much, and expect great things of and from them. Therefore, Elders muſt take heed to their wayes, and ſee that they walk circumſpectly, (or exactly) Eph. 5.15. For if they do not, believe it, they will do more hurt than good in the Church.
Thus we ſee, that Ruling Elders have work enough to do in the Church, and that there is need and uſe enough of them. And ſurely, they might be of great uſe in the Church, and prove a great bleſſing indeed to her, would they but know, mind, attend to and do their own proper work and buſineſs, and really concern themſelves with Chriſt's, and the Churches concernments, with all their hearts and ſouls; as they ought to do. And oh! that ſuch as are called to that Office and Dignity, would ſeriouſly conſider and lay to heart their wayes and doings, wherefore they are ſet in the Church, and inveſted with Power and Authority, and whether they do indeed intend, and in good earneſt ſet to their work, and unfeignedly deſign and proſecute thoſe ends?
Queſt. How ſhould Ruling-Elders perform their work in the Church?
Anſw. Firſt, with wiſdom, or wiſely. They ſhould wiſely obſerve the matters they have, to concern themſelves about, and to manage in the Church. 2. The times and ſcaſons for the doing of them; to whom, and when. 3. The manner how they ſhould or ought to do them. Much light, knowledge, and ſpiritual wiſdom is required in Church Government, and Governours. And therefore, they have great need to pray, read and ſtudy much, for Divine wiſdom, and Spiritual underſtanding in theſe things. That they may diſcern the will of Chriſt their Lord and Law-giver, and not miſtake their way and work; nor the times, ſeaſons and occaſions thereof, nor ſtumble at any ſtumbling-ſtone, or walk in the dark, in ſo great and importunate matters.
2. The revealed will of Chriſt in his New Teſtament, is to be their great and only Rule and Guide in Church-matters No other voice muſt be heard there, but his; nor any other Authority, Law, or Rule to be obſerved, followed, and obeyed, but his. It is given to him, to be the Head over all things to his Church, Eph. 1.22, 23. And therefore, they ought to obſerve all things, whatſoever he hath commanded them, (and nothing elſe) Math. 28.20. in the exerciſe of their Authority, in or for the Church. This they muſt carefully and continually mind, and have in their eye, that they do not their own wills, and walk by their own Rules, but Chriſts. For in ſo doing he will bleſs and proſper them, help and aſſiſt them: and in the end he will reward all their conformity and obedience to his holy will. But otherwiſe he will ſay, who required theſe things of you. Therefore, when any caſes or works are offered to you; you muſt conſider them, and the Laws or Rules by which you ought to proceed, in what you are called to do: and then proceed and manage your work accordingly. Be you ſure to ſteer your courſe aright by Divine light and Laws; look up to, and own Chriſt and his Authority in all your proceedures. For you act not as civil Magiſtrates in a ſtate, but as the Spiritual Magiſtrates of Chriſt in his Church. And therefore (I ſay) it is his Will and Authority only, that you muſt obſerve and walk by.
3. Diligently: you muſt exerciſe your power with all poſſible diligence, Rom. 12.8. He that Ruleth with diligence. That is, he muſt frequently attend to his Ruling-work, and what he doth therein, he muſt do with all his abilities. He muſt be earneſt and fervent in it, and ſet himſelf to it, as to his work and buſineſs. He muſt not be ſlothful, negligent, or careleſs in it, as if it were an indifferent thing; no, but he ought to be diligent, and fervent in Spirit, ſerving the Lord, in what he doth, Rom. 12.11. The negligent ſervant ſhall be beaten with many ſtripes, Luk. 12 47. They ſhould be diligent to know the ſtate of their Flocks, Prov. 27.23. For although, they (I mean the Church) are not the Ruling Elders Flock, as they are the Teaching Ruling Elders, yet they are in a ſenſe, their Flock and charge, to watch over them, and inſpect their manners and walkings.
4. Readily; willingly, and chearfully. They ſhould be like the Teaching-Elders in this alſo, 1 Pet. 5.2. Taking the overſight of the Flock, not by conſtraint, but willingly; not as Lords over Gods Heritage, but examples to the Flock. It is ſad indeed, when they look not after them, nor mind their work and Office in the Church, but when they are conſtrained, and as it were forced to it, by their Teachers, and cannot for ſhame but do ſomething then, but ſomewhat unwillingly, coldly and indifferently; as if it were a ſmall thing, or a matter by the by: and which they would not trouble themſelves about, could they handſomely evade and paſs it by. They grudge at it, and account it their burden, not their delight. But ſurely, it ſhould be their delight to ſerve Chriſt and his Church; and they ſhould moſt readily, willingly and chearfully do it.
5. Conſcientiouſly and Dutifully. The will of Chriſt and their duty: their work and opportunity to do good, ſhould lye deep in their hearts, and powerful on their Conſciences; and what they do in the Church, in purſuance of their Truſt and Office-power, for the Lord Jeſus and his Church; they are bound to do it upon Choice, conſcientiouſly and dutifully: and that, becauſe it is their place, work and duty, by virtue of Chriſt's Authority, who hath for theſe ends ſet them in the Church; appointed and enjoyned them ſuch work and ſervice there: for his glory and their good. They muſt not only bear Rule, but they muſt Rule well too, for thoſe ends; or elſe they are of no uſe and ſervice there. Now how can they be ſaid to Rule well, as commanded; unleſs they uſe and exerciſe their Office-power ſo; namely, wiſely, diligently, readily and willingly; chearfully, conſcientiouſly and dutifully, according to the Laws and Rules of Chriſt their Lord?
6. They ought to exerciſe their Authority, and uſe their power in the Church, with much love, tenderneſs, meekneſs, impartiality; and ſometimes (as need requires) with ſeverity too. They muſt not exalt themſelves, and carry it in a Lordly manner towards their Brethren, becauſe they have Authority over, and may command them But they muſt ſee that they temper their power, and the exerciſe and uſe of it with love, tenderneſs, humility and meekneſs. They ſhould ſo carry themſelves in all things, as that on the one hand they be not ſlighted and deſpiſed, and on the other hand, envied for their haughtineſs. They ſhould ſo behave themſelves in the houſe of God, as that they may give occaſion to all, to think that they love them, and reſpect their good, in all they do. So likewiſe they ought to be juſt and impartial in their proceedures towards all, and not reſpect perſons in Judgment, but the merit of the cauſe. And in caſe of neceſſity, when they have to do with ſtubborn and obſtinate perſons; they may and ought to be ſevere, in dealing with them, when they cannot otherwiſe prevail on them, to convince, humble and reform them, Jude 22.23.
7. And in all their endeavours, ways and practiſes in the Church, they ſhould intend, deſign and aim at the union, peace, holineſſe, comfort and proſperity of the Church; the honour of Religion, encouragement of the Goſpel and the Glory of Chriſt. All which bleſſed ends they ſhould wiſely, zealouſly, ſincerely, ſeriouſly, induſtrouſly and faithfully proſecute, and with all their might ſtrive and labour to obtain; and by all means, and that with much patience and perſeverance, in the uſe of them, hope and pray, ſeek and wait to accompliſh; in the Lords time. They muſt not make one or two attempts to reconcile differences, rectify diſorders, diſſwade from Sin, perſwade to Duty; to heal wounds and encourage to Repentance, and ſo leave it, without looking after the Iſſue and the ſucceſs of their labours, but they muſt follow on their work until the ends be obtained. They, (as well as their teaching Elders) muſt look well to their herds, Prov. 27.23. They muſt ſee, that they rule well, and with diligence; 1 Tim. 5.17. Rom. 12.8. and that they approve themſelves faithfull Stewards to Chriſt and his Church, in all their proceedings; and make full proof thereof.
Queſt, What are the qualifications of ruling Elders, or how ſhould they be qualifyed, for ſo high and honourable work and office in the Church.
Anſ. I ſhall briefly name ſome of their neceſſary qualifications; and but ſome of them, and ſuch as are indeed neceſſary for them; without which, they cannot, will not rule well, nor be profitable to the Church. Firſt, They muſt be qualified with Spiritual Gifts and ſpecial Graces: with a conſiderable meaſure of divine Wiſdome and Spiritual underſtanding. They ſhould be, not only real Saints, but eminent Saints too. They muſt not only have peculiar Grace, but be ſtrong in Grace alſo. Surely! they ought to be well furniſhed with the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit, that they may go in and out; and walk in the Church as ſhining Lights; be able to judge and diſcern caſes and perſons, and make a ſound and true Judgment of the things and matters they may be called to judge and determine. They muſt not be Novices in the knowledge of Chriſt, his Law & Goſpel (the Rules by which they muſt walk); but they muſt have the Word of Chriſt, to dwell in them richly, in all Wiſdom; Col. 3.16. to help them in their work. They cannot rule well, unleſſe they do underſtand and can ſpeak well; nor unleſſe they are well acquainted with their Office, Work, and the Rules thereof. They ought to be ſober, grave and ſerious Perſons, and not of vain, light and frothy behaviour, in their ſpirits & carriages. They ſhould be of prompt ready minds and ſpirits for their work, and not of dull, lumpiſh and heavy Tempers. For if they are ſuch, they will not act upon choice freely, but by conſtraint, and that will render them unprofitable and undeſirable to the Church. They ſhould be men of blameleſſe lives, and ſpotleſſe converſations; and they ſhould be men of warm and lively affections, abounding in Love, zeal and fervour of Spirit. They ought to be men of Courage, fearing God, (like Moſes his 70 Elders) Exod. 18.21. and be free from notorious and apparent Coveteouſneſs and worldly mindedneſſe. They ſhould be eminent in humility and meekneſs, and in other Graces of the Spirit; and they ſhould be men of pitty, compaſſion, of bowells and mercies, as the Apoſtle ſpeaks. They muſt not be angry paſſionate perſons, or men of ſower, froward and peeviſh Spirits and carriages: for theſe abominations will very much blemiſh them, and cauſe prejudices in the minds of Obſervers. They muſt not be Tattlers, Medlers, nor Buſy-bodies in other mens matters; neither ſhould they be ſlothful, negligent or careleſs of their own. Theſe are ſome of their neceſſary qualifications.
Queſt. What are the Duties of Church-members, and how ought they to demean and carry themſelves towards their Ruling Elders?
Anſ. When they do rule well, and uſe their office, power, diligently, faithfully and profitably, for the peace, wellfare and proſperity of the Church, the encouragement of the Miniſtry, propagation of the Goſpel, and the honour and Glory of Chriſt, as they are indiſpenſibly bound to do: they are worthy of double Honour, Love and reſpect from the Church: and they ought to give it to them, heartily and ſincerely; in obedience to Chriſt, who injoyns and requires it, 1 Tim. 5.17. as alſo for their work and office ſake, and for the Lord Chriſt his Sake, whoſe Officers they are; whoſe Image they bear, and whoſe work and ſervice they do, and are employing themſelves in. They muſt have, not only ſimple honour, love and reſpect from you; but double. They muſt have much more then any private brethren have, when they rule well, and that upon a twofold account. 1. As they are Chriſt's and your Elders and Officers; and in a ſenſe, do repreſent the Lord Jeſus Chriſt to you in and by their work and office-power in the Church. 2. As, or becauſe they rule well, and uſe their office-power for your profit and benefit. Do they carefully, diligently and induſtrouſly attend to, and follow their work, and ſeek your good? then remember, that you owe them double honour, love and reſpect; and ſee you give it to them. Moreover, Church-members ſhould yield them their chearful ſubjection and obedience, to all their Lawfull commands and appointments for their good, and give them all poſſible encouragement in their work, and not weaken their hands and make their work heavy, and burdenſome to them; but do all they can to make it eaſy and ſweet to them; that ſo they may do it with Joy and not with Grief. You ſhould alſo pray importunately for them, that God would make them able, willing and faithfull to and in their work, and bleſſe and proſper their labours with ſucceſs. Do they mind their work, and labour for your good? why then it is moſt reaſonable, that you ſhould mind them, and give them their dues, that they may be encouraged in their work and diligence, by your duty to them. In a word, you ſhould carry your ſelves towards them in all things, as to Spiritual Magiſtrates, and Chriſt's Officers to you, for your Good. As Paul ſpeaks of civil Magiſtrates, Rom. 13.4. for (ſays he) they are God's Miniſters to thee for good; ſo your ruling Elders are the Miniſters of Chriſt to you for good: Therefore behave your ſelves towards them, and do for them as ſuch. Not as they are Elders among you, but as they are good Elders to you, and ſuch as rule well for your profit. Do they rule well, mind and attend to their work and duty? Why, then love, honour and reſpect them as ſuch. Do they labour with, and take pains among you; and are they diligent, ſerious and faithfull in their office? then pray much for them; bleſſe and thank God for them; acknowledge, accept and eſteem of them; carry your ſelves ſubmiſſively & obediently to them; ſtrengthen their hands and encourage their hearts, to and in their work; and do all you can and ought to do for them. Do they walk holyly, humbly, wiſely, zealouſly and fruitfully? do you follow their examples; imitate their ſteps, and as much as poſſible, write after their Copy; and by ſo doing you will honour Chriſt, and comfort them.
Queſt. What other Officers hath Jeſus Chriſt ſet in his Church?
Anſ. Deacons. The Lord Jeſus hath in his great love to, and care of his Church, appointed and given to them this ſort of officers alſo, for their comfort, profit and well being: and they need them likewiſe: For as the Teaching Elders may not attend moſtly to their ruling work, but to Study, Reading, Doctrine and Exhortation; (and then not to ſerve Tables, Act 6.) ſo the Ruling Elders leave their work to attend two, which is not to ſerve Tables neither, but to look after other Church-matters and concernments as you heard before. And therefore I ſay, that Deacons are neceſſary and uſefull Officers in the Church; and are diſtinguiſhed from other Officers, by their name and work there. The Inſtitution of this ſort of Officers in the Church, as alſo their work, uſe and qualifications, we have an account of in Acts 6.3, 4, 5, 6. 1 Tim. 3.8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. Phil. 1.1. ſo that we ſee there is ſuch an Office, and ſuch Officers are appointed for and ſet in the Church.
Queſt. What manner of perſons ſhould deacons be, or what are their qualifications, by divine Appointment?
Anſ. They muſt be men of honeſt Report, full of the holy Ghoſt, and wiſdome, Acts 6.3. They muſt be grave, not double-tongued; not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy Lucre, holding the Myſtery of Faith in a pure Conſcience. Even ſo muſt their Wives be grave, not ſlanderers; Sober, Faithful in all things. Ruling their Children and their own houſes well, 1 Tim. 3.8, 9, 11, 12. Theſe are ſome of the neceſſary qualifications of Deacons in the Church. You that are Deacons, mind theſe things, and conſider ſeriouſly if you are ſo qualified for that Office in the Church of God. If you are not ſo qualified, humble your ſelves before the Lord, entreat him to qualify you with his holy Spirit, and labour in the uſe of all good means to obtain what is yet wanting in you, for the well and profitable performance of your work, as becomes ſuch Officers in a holy Church of Chriſt's.
Queſt. What are the Deacons works in the Church?
Anſ. In general, their work is to ſerve Tables, Acts 6. But more particularly, 1. They are to provide for and diſtribute to the poor of the Church according to their neceſſities; Act. 6. and not to ſuffer any of them to want through their negligence. And therefore they ought to enquire what poor there are in the Church, and what their wants are, and accordingly to ſupply them. In order to which they ſhould receive the Churche's contributions, and wiſely conſider if what they do receive from them, will ſupply the wants of the poor, and ſatisfy other emergencies in the Church. And in caſe they do not, to acquaint one of the Elders, that he may ſpeak to the Church to augment their ſtock; that ſo they may have enough to ſupply all occaſions, as need requires. 2. They ſhould not only look after the poor to get money for them, from the Church: but to eaſe the Church, they ſhould ſee that ſuch as can work, and ſo help to maintain themſelves, do ſo: and ſuch as can work but will not (if any ſuch be) to reprove and admoniſh them; and untill they do ſet to work, and endeavour to live and provide for themſelves as well as they can, to detain all ſupplies from them; that their wants may provoke them to labour. But in caſe there are any poor in the Church, that would labour, and not be chargeable to the Church, but cannot get employment; the Deacons ought to do their utmoſt from time to time, to get them work, and to give them all the encouragement they can therein. And by their ſo doing, they may be ſervicable to the Church, and to the poor, who would live by the labour of their own hands, if they could find employment: and who are as loath to be burdenſome unto the Church, as they are, that they ſhould be ſo. 3. They ſhould often viſit the poor and ſee how it is with them, encourage and comfort them, and do all they can to ſtrengthen their hands, and refreſh their hearts, under their poverty, and the Temptations that attend it. Doubtleſs poverty hath many great and ſtrong Temptations; and therefore the poor have need of their ſupports, kindneſſes and encouragement, to bear up their hearts from ſinking deſpondencies. Surely! Deacons have more to do for the Church, and the poor thereof, then to receive contributions and ſend it by others now and then to ſuch as want, when they are required ſo to do. What need is there of ſuch qualifications as the Goſpel requires in them, for their doing of that? If they have but eyes and common reaſon, they may do their work, if that be all, without any of the aforeſaid qualifications. But their requiſite qualifications do declare ſufficiently that they have other work to do in the Church, for which they muſt be ſo qualified. But when men have once gotten the name of an Office, they take up with that, but ſeldome or never mind, endeavour to know and do the work of their office. They muſt be even driven to mind it, and angry if any tell them of their neglects. Surely! ſuch officers have a ſad account to make, and contract much blame, ſhame and guilt on their names & Souls; and they muſt repent in Duſt and Aſhes, and even ſhed Tears of blood for their Sin, if ever they be Saved. Yea, the ſtraits, wants and Temptations of the poor, which are occaſioned by the Deacons neglects, will cry out againſt them, and condemn them. Oh! Sirs; remember whoſe Officers and Stewards you are, and for what ends you are ſet in the Church; conſider your ways, what you ought to do; what you do, and what you leave undone. 4. They ſhould provide conveniencies for the Church to worſhip God withall, and ſee that the Church ſuffer no detriment by any of their neglects. 5. Their work alſo is, to ſee that the Church perform that part of their duty to their Teacher or Paſtor; namely, to give him his due of ſubſiſtance, according to that charge, in Gal. 6.6. 1 Cor. 9. Rom. 15.27. and to collect it for him. To provoke the negligent, and exhort ſuch as are backward to their duty. Their work being (as was ſaid) to ſerve Tables, this muſt needs be a part of it. And it is well known, that this work of the Church and Deacons, is neceſſary for the upholding and encourageing of the Miniſtry. Theſe are ſome of the Deacons workes in the Church, to which they ſhould attend with all poſſible wiſdome, diligence and faithfulneſs, as their work and buſineſſe. For God will require an account of them, how they have carried themſelves in the Church, and performed their work there.
Queſt. What is the duty of Church-members towards their Deacons, in the Faithful and conſcientious diſcharge of their duty and truſt?
Anſ. They ſhould love and honour them, as Chriſt's and their Officers, and give them all encouragement in their work. They muſt not load and burden their work, by diſcountenancing, blaming or penuriouſneſs towards them: or by diſtruſting them, and ſpeaking contemptibly of them. But they ſhould chearfully confide in them, and pray importunately to God for them: that they may be enabled to do their work, and faithfully ſerve Chriſt, and his Church in their place, as they are bound to do. Surely, brethren, Chriſt cannot endure to ſee any of his Church-Officers, who act and ſerve the Church faithfully, from from and under him, and by his Authority and appointment, to be ſlighted undervalued and diſcouraged. But it is his Will that they ſhould be loved, honoured and reſpected, for his own, and their work and Office ſake; and that they ſhould find, all poſſible encouragement from you. The neglect of which is Sin, and diſobedience againſt Chriſt's Laws and Authority, and your ſhame and loſſe.