A Gospel Church, Chapter 8
CHAP. VII.
Of the great & indiſpenſible duties of Church-members amongſt themſelves, or to one another in a Church Relation.
Queſt. WHat are the duties of Church-members to one another?
Anſ. There are two great ends Chriſt Jeſus had in his Eye, in appointing and ordaining ſuch a near Relation, union and communion for, and among his people, as a Church-ſtate and relation is. Firſt, To capacitate and enable them to perform their reſpective dutys and works, 1. to God, 2. To men, or to one another. Secondly, to encourage them ſo to do, and that with greater eaſe, freedome, order and ſatisfaction, than otherwiſe they could do. By virtue of their near Relation to, and intimate acquaintance with one anothers perſons, faith, principles, and converſations, they can worſhip or glorify God together, with one mind and mouth, as commanded, Rom. 15.6. and walk together with God in all his ways, in the ſame mind and Judgement, 1 Cor. 1.10. which elſe they could not ſo well do. So likewiſe, to perform their reſpective Duties to their Officers, and mutual duties to one another as brethren united together in a holy Band, for thoſe ends and purpoſes. Their duties to one another, as Brethren and Siſters enchurched, and knit together in one ſingle and individual Corporation, under the Laws and Lordſhip, Rule and Government of their only Head and Law-giver the Lord Jeſus, are all laid down in his Goſpel for them, and made their Duties only by his appointing and commanding them to be obſerved and practiſed by all Church-members; and in all their obſervations of them, they muſt have a choice and ſingular reſpect to his holy Will, and Soveraign Authority in them; without which, their doing of them are not acts of Obedience to him, but the products of their own Wills and Pleaſures. Now then, we will enquire into them, endeavour briefly to bring them to light, and preſent ſome of them to you, who deſire to know and obey them in Truth.
Firſt, The firſt and greateſt, is love, love and ſpiritual Affections are the holy Cords that tye the hearts, ſouls and judgments of Believers one to another. This is that, which (together with the fear of God) makes them avoid all things whatever may give juſt offence, or Adminiſter griefe to one another, and that which provokes them to follow after the things that make for Peace, and the things that tend to Edification. Love is the Bond of Peace, Eph. 4.2, 3. 'Tis that which (together with Divine light and truth) cauſes Church-members to draw together, as in one yoke, and unanimouſly, as with one heart and ſoul, to deſign, aim at and carry on mutual and common good in the Church, Phil. 2.1, 2. 1 Cor. 13.5. Without this love one to another, they cannot, will not Cement, nor long abide and live together, as a Church in Peace and Unity, nor promote any good work among themſelves; without heart knitting-love one to another in the fear of God, they will receive and entertain Jealouſies and Suſpicions one of another, and put the worſt conſtruction on whatever is ſaid or done; and they cannot walk together comfortably and profitably to and with one another, where and when they are entertained. Therefore it is abſolutely needful and neceſſary for all Church-members, to be firmly United, and conſtantly joyned together in cordial love and charity; which is the Bond of Perfectneſs to and in all other Duties, Col. 3.14. God highly commends, and ſtrictly commands this love one to another, and puts it into the hearts of his peculiar People, that they may do what he commands.
1. God highly commends it wherever he finds it, in Act and Exerciſe, 1 Theſ. 4.10. And indeed (ſayes he) ye do it towards all the Brethren; Col. 1.4, 8. 2 Cor. 8.7. 1 Theſ. 1.3. to which Duty, (and to manifeſt his high approbation of it) God hath promiſed a great Reward, Heb. 6.10.
2. God commands it, and vehemently exhorts to, and urges it on them, almoſt every where in the Goſpel. Oh! how importunately did the Lord Jeſus enjoyn it, and frequently preſs it on his Diſciples, when he was on Earth? Joh. 13.34. A new Commandment give I unto you: what is that new Commandment? why, that ye love one another, as I have loved you; that ye alſo love one another. And in Joh. 15.12, 17. This is my Commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. That is, take the Pattern of my Love to you for your love to, or in loving one another. I have, and do love you (1) with great love; Joh. 15.13. ſo do you likewiſe. (2) My love to you is free, without any deſert in you: let yours be free love, without carnal Reſpects, one to another alſo. (3) My love to you is real, hearty and unfeigned: So let yours be to one another alſo, Rom. 12.9. 1 Pet. 1.22. (4) My love towards you, is an exceeding fruitful love. I loved you ſo, as to labour, toyl, ſweat and dye for you. I loved you ſo, as to humble and debaſe my ſelf for you, and all to do you good: ſo muſt you love one another with a fruitful profiting love. For as I have loved you, ſo you muſt love each other. (5) My love to you, is a pitying, ſparing, and forgiving love; a forbearing and tender hearted love: ſo muſt yours be to one another, likewiſe Col. 3.12, 13. (6) I love you with a warm and fervent love: ſo do you, love one another with pure hearts, fervently, 1 Pet. 1.22. (7) I love you with a holy ſpiritual love; not as you are Men, and have reaſonable Souls; but as new Men, who have my Image ſtampt on, and my holy Nature in you, and as you are made perfect by the comelineſs and beauty that I have put upon you, Ezek. 16.14. 2 Pet. 1.4. So do you love one another, with a holy ſpiritual love, namely, becauſe you are a lovely and a holy People unto me. (8) I love you with a conſtant and unchangable love, and that with a notwithſtanding all your weakneſſes, yea unkindneſſes to, and unworthy walkings before me. Whom I once love with a ſpecial and peculiar love, I continue to love for ever, Joh. 13.1. And I have engaged, that not any thing ſhall ſeparate you from me and my love, Rom. 8. ult. Thus you are bound to love one another, even as I have loved, and ſhall alwayes love you. And as the Lord Jeſus commanded and enjoyned this by the word of his own mouth; So likewiſe by his Apoſtles. They do frequently and vehemently urge and preſs this Duty on Church-members every where, and back all their Commands (from Chriſt) with moſt ſtrong and cogent Arguments, Rom. 12.9. Rom. 13.8.9, 10. Eph. 4.2, 15, 16. Eph. 5.2. 1 Theſ. 5.8. 1 Pet. 1.22. 1 Pet. 3.8. 1 Joh. 3.23. Chap. 4.7. Theſe are a few of the many places, where you may find this great Duty enjoyned on Believers and Church-Members; which they are indiſpenſibly bound to obſerve and obey. And therefore God ſheds this love into their hearts, and Teaches them to improve and uſe it, in loving one another, 1 Theſ. 4.9. Rom. 5.5. For he gives his People, and enables them to do that which he commands and requires of them: and therefore, the buſineſs of ſuch Stewards, is to uſe their Truſt well; and all lies on their diligence and faithfulneſs in Stewarding of it, as good Stewards of Gods Grace.
Oh! That Church-members, and all other Chriſtians would ſeriouſly, ſincerely, diligently and conſtantly mind and practiſe this great and indiſpenſible Duty to one another, in all their wayes and doings; and not lay it aſide as a little, uſeleſs or indifferent matter, which they may neglect, and diſpenſe with the omiſſion of, at their own will and pleaſure.
Secondly, As we are indiſpenſibly bound to love one another, as you have heard; ſo we are as peremptorily, abſolutely and indiſpenſibly bound to walk lovely, and encouragingly towards one another: that by our unlovely and unworthy walkings, we lay not ſtumbling-blocks in the way of love, or diſcourage ſuch from loving us by our unlovely carriages, as do conſcientiouſly aim at and endeavour ſo to love us, as Chriſt commands them to do. But that our Behaviours be ſuch in all things, as to invite all to love us, as holy, humble and blameleſs Saints and Brethren in Chriſt. Very many Profeſſors expect much love from their carnal and ſpiritual Relations, and are greatly diſpleaſed at them, if they fancy they are denyed it, and caſt the blame on them; whileſt they mind not, care not how unlovely and diſcouragingly they walk and carry themſelves towards them. But believe it; the Lord Jeſus expects, and he hath made it their Duty, to walk lovely towards one another, as well as to love one another. Church-members are bound to love one another, as holy, ſpiritual and lovely Objects; which they cannot do, unleſs they ſee, or have good grounds to believe them to be ſuch indeed. When they walk carnally, how can they love them as ſpiritual Heavenly perſons? and when they walk and carry themſelves proudly, in their Words and Deportments; how can they love them as the meek and humble Members of Jeſus Chriſt? If their love muſt be holy and ſpiritual, then undoubtedly the Perſons or Objects of it muſt be ſuch alſo. For is it poſſible, or doth God require me to love a Proud, Churliſh, Touchy, Peeviſh and Croſs-grained Profeſſor, as much, and with that complacency, I can or may love an humble, ſweet, meek and patient one? Can I, or is it my Duty ſo to love a ſowre, crabbed, contentious and quarrelling Relation, as a peaceable, quiet, affable and courteous one? Is it poſſible for me to love a vain, frothy, worldly Profeſſor, and one who cares not how unlovely, undeſirable, yea, and in many things, how contrary he walks to me and my love; as I do, or may do another Profeſſor, who is Spiritual, Grave, Serious and Heavenly? ſurely! we cannot love perſons as holy, ſpiritual, humble, uſeful and Heavenly perſons are to be loved; unleſs they appear to be ſo in their words, deeds and carriages towards us; neither doth God require us ſo to do.
Therefore we ought to be as careful of, and ſee that we walk lovely towards one another, as to love one another; that ſo we may as much as poſſible, provoke and encourage each other to love one another; Heb. 10.24. and remove out of the way of love, all ſuch ſtumbling-blocks, as may any way Impede or Obſtruct it; that ſo we may encourage all to love us, really, ſtrongly, ſincerely, fervently, holily, ſpiritually and conſtantly: freely, eaſily, and that with delight and complacency For otherwiſe, as it will be moſt abſurd and irrational for us to expect it from them, ſo it will be impoſſible for them ſo to love us. And by our own contrary walkings and carriages, we wrong our ſelves of their love to us, and tempt them to ſin againſt God, and injure their own Souls. We ſhall grieve their hearts, and tempt them to withdraw their love and kindneſs from us, and thereby offend God, grieve and vex his holy Spirit, and by little and little to withdraw his loving Countenance from us.
Thirdly: Chriſt hath charged and ſtrictly commanded all Church-members, to live in Peace: to be at Peace among themſelves, and to follow Peace with all men, and as much as in them is, to live peaceably with all men. Oh! how often, and with what vehemency, doth the Lord Jeſus and the Holy Ghoſt, by the Apoſtles, preſs & enjoyn this Duty, eſpecially, among Church-members, every where in the Goſpel? ſee ſome Texts, Pſal. 34.14. 1 Pet 3.11. Rom. 14.19. 2 Cor. 13.11. 1 Theſ. 5.13. Heb. 12.14. Eph. 5.3. And the Apoſtle tells us, that God hath called us to Peace; not only to the Peace of God in our own Souls, and amity with him; but with one another, 1 Cor. 7.15. ſuch walkings and carriages one to another, when in love and Obedience to God, are pleaſing to him; but ſtrife, diſcord and contention, and ſuch like practices, are moſt hateful and abominable to him, Pro. 6.16, 17, 18, 19. Theſe Six things doth the Lord hate, yea Seven are an abomination to him. And what is the Seventh? why, ſowing diſcord among Brethren. This wickedneſs is ſo hateful to God, as the words cannot ſufficiently declare his abhorrency of it. Hence we often find the Holy Ghoſt by Paul earneſtly dehorting Church-members from all debates, ſtrifes, and contentions one with, or againſt another; eſpecially in their Church-meetings, Phil. 2.3. Let nothing be done through ſtrife or vain glory, and verſ. 14. Do all things without murmurings and diſputings, Rom. 13.13. And the word of God doth every where condemn it as a moſt accurſed Weed, and venomous Plant; a Cockatrice egg, and deviliſh Serpent. Pride is that Womb that bears it, Pro. 13.10. and the luſts of the heart, Gal. 5.20. and the Devil is the Father and Authour of this accurſed ſtrife and contention, Jam. 3.14, 15. Bleſſed Paul was much afflicted to ſee any of it in the Churches of Chriſt, as knowing from whence it ſprang, and what the fruit and end of it would be? what wrong it would do their Souls and what Reproach it would lay them under? How it would reflect on Chriſt and his wayes, and render them all contemptible? How it would hinder their profit, and produce many vile Monſters among them. As Envy, Wrath, Railing, evil ſurmiſings, Hatred, Back-bitings, Swellings, and Diviſions. And therefore labours to prevent the growth of them, and to pull up by the Roots, theſe pernitious Weeds: and that by Counſels, Reproofs, Cautions, Inſtructions, and Dehortations from them; and preſſes them (and us) by all cogent Arguments, to avoid contention and ſtrife, and follow after Peace to the utmoſt of their power.
David tells us, that it is a moſt pleaſant and lovely thing, for Brethren to dwell together in vnity, Pſal. 133.1, 2. Then how much more pleaſant and lovely is it, for ſpiritual Brethren to live and worſhip God ſo together. Chriſt came into the World, and lived here a Peacemaker, and charged all his followers to follow his ſteps; pronounces them bleſſed that do ſo, Math. 5.9. and accurſed who do the contrary. He is a lover of Peace and Concord, eſpecially in his holy Temples; where he will not have a Hammer heard: but he is an implacable hater of Strife and Diſcord, and will not endure it in them; much leſs will he winck at ſuch, as are the firſt ſowers of theſe Seeds. The truth is, ſtrivers and contenders in the Churches, are the Devils Agents, and notorious Miſchief-makers. They do a world of miſchief to a Church where they are, and are real Plagues to, or in it. They greatly hinder Edification, and ſpoil the Order, Beauty and Harmony there. Contenders and Diſputers in a Church, are the proud ſelf-conceited men, who are vainly puft up with high thoughts of themſelves, and their own abilities, and that becauſe they have gotten ſome light and notions into their heads, with a volubility of ſpeech, but without ſpiritual wiſdom and humility in their hearts: and therefore they conceit that they are wiſer than the Church, and more able to Manage and Order Church Affairs, than their Elders. Their Pride and ſelf-conceit makes them ſlight and contemn their Teachers, and to raiſe up in a Rebellious contention with, and oppoſition againſt them: As the Prophet complains, Hoſea. 4.4. For this people are as they that ſtrive with the Prieſt. They think nothing can be well done, unleſs they have the doing of it; and therefore when any good work is upon the Wheel, they will do all they can to hinder it, as ſome Churches can ſadly experience. Well then, take heed of ſtrife and contention, and follow Peace and Concord one with another, eſpecially in your aſſembling together about Church-work. Get humble hearts, and then you will not be contentious, but peaceable.
Fourthly: Sympathize with, and help to bear each others burdens, as need requires. You are not to live to and for your ſelves, in a Church-State only; but to and for one another too. You are commanded to remember them that are in Bonds, as being bound with them, Heb. 13.3. and them that ſuffer Adverſity, as being your ſelves in the body. You are ſtrictly commanded and charged by the Great God, to rejoyce with them that rejoyce, and weep with them that weep: and be of the ſame mind one towards another, Rom. 12.15, 16. And look not every man at his own things, but every man alſo on the things of others, Phil 2.4. And let no man ſeek his own, but every man anothers Wealth, 1 Cor. 10.24. Bear ye one anothers burden, and ſo fulfil the Law of Chriſt. You muſt make, and account your Brethrens Croſſes, Loſſes, Temptations and Afflictions, your own; and when they want and call for your helping hand, to ſupport or lift them up, being fallen, you muſt give it them freely, readily and chearfully, and not turn a deaf ear to, or hide your eyes from them and their cryes▪ For this was one of Gods holy and Gracious ends in appointing Churches, and bringing you into Church-fellowſhip, and ſo into acquaintance one with another, namely, that you might be fellow-mutual-helpers and comforters one of another, For if you are cruel to, or careleſs of one another in Affliction; the Lord Jeſus will require it at your hands, and take it as done to himſelf.
Therefore, ſeeing it is the will of Chriſt, and our indiſpenſible Duty to one another; let us put on Bowels of Mercies and kindneſſes, Col. 3.12. and be tender hearted, Eph. 4. ult. And as Peter ſpeaks, be pitiful and courteous to each other, 1 Pet. 3.8. Let the ſame mind be in us, and let us ſhew the ſame affection to one another (in meaſure) that Chriſt Jeſus hath ſhewed, and ſtill doth expreſs to us. We know that he is full of loving kindneſſes, pity, ſimpathy and bowels of mercy and compaſſion to us; Pſal. 103.13, 14. Phil. 2.1, 2. to ſhew his Members, how they ſhould be, and carry themſelves towards one an other; and to oblige and provoke them to do ſo too. Oh! my Brethren: we ſhould much abound in this grace alſo.
Fifthly: Exhort, and comfort one another. For ſo is the will of God concerning you. This is not only your Teachers Duty and Work, but yours alſo, to each other, Heb. 10.24, 25. And let us conſider one another, to provoke unto love, and to good works; but exhorting one another. This Work and Duty muſt be diligently and frequently done, Heb. 3.13. But exhort one another daily, while it is called to day, leſt any of you be hardned through the deceitfulneſs of ſin, 1 Theſ. 5.11. Wherefore comfort your ſelves together, and edifie one another, even as alſo ye do, verſ. 14. Now we beſeech you Brethren, warn them that are unruly; comfort the feeble minded, ſupport the weak. My Brothren you ſtand in continual need of one anothers Exhortations and Conſolations; and if you mind and manage this work well, you may be very uſeful and profitable one to another, greatly oblige and knit your hearts to each other, and occaſion many thankſgivings unto God thereby. We are exceeding apt and prone to fall backward, and therefore need each others hand to draw us forward. To grow cold and dead hearted; and therefore need each others help to warm and quicken us. We are apt and ready to ſtand ſtill, and lye down a Napping; and therefore do greatly need one anothers awakenings and holy provocations. When this duty was frequently and conſcientiouſly practiſed by the Saints, they did thrive and proſper: but ſince it hath been ſo wofully neglected, the contrary is apparent in the lives and carriages of the Saints. Well then; do you revive this work all you can. Set it forward with all your might, and improve all your opportunities to the profit of each others Souls: for you ſee that it is your indiſpenſible Duty.
Sixthly: It is the will of your Head, the Lord Jeſus, that you ſhould be each others Keepers. That you ſhould watch one over another; Admoniſh and Reprove one another, as need requires. I do not mean, that you ſhould prye into one anothers ſecrets, or be buſie-bodies in other mens matters. No, for that is hateful and abominable; and God hath forbidden you to do ſo, 1 Theſ. 3.11. 1 Pet. 4.15. 1 Tim. 5.13. But my meaning is this, namely, that you watch over one anothers Walkings and Converſations. That if they do well, you may encourage them. If ill, you may by Counſel, Reproofs, Admonitions, Inſtructions, and Exhortations, labour to mend them: and do all you can, to convince and bring them to the real ſight and ſenſe of their miſcarriages, as alſo to unfeigned Repentance. By which good work, you will do them, the Church, yea Chriſt himſelf, good and acceptable ſervice. You ſhould carefully mind and obſerve, if all do keep cloſe to their Duty in the Church, or are remiſs and negligent. If they carry themſelves holily, righteouſly and ſoberly in their Converſations: or on the contrary, they are frothy, vain, proud, extravagant, looſe, unjuſt, idle, careleſs, or any way ſcandalous. You ſhould ſtrictly mind and obſerve, if there be any Tatlers, Back-biters, or ſowers of Diſcord, or ſuch as ſpeak contemptibly and ſlightingly of their Brethren, eſpecially of their Elders, and their Adminiſtrations. As alſo, ſuch as combine together, and make parties or factions in the Church; or endeavour to load or obſtruct any good work, which their Elders are promoting of, for the Glory of Chriſt and the good of the Church; and deal with them accordingly. You muſt mind and carefully obſerve, if any be fallen under Sin or Temptation, in any caſe, and not let them alone, but preſently ſet your hand to help them, to ſuccour and reſtore them; Gal. 6.1. Brethren; if any man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are ſpiritual, reſtore ſuch a one with the Spirit of meekneſs; conſidering thy ſelf, leſt thou alſo be Tempted. Take heed of that Cain like Spirit; who when God asked him where his Brother Abel was? Replyes, am I my Brothers keeper, Gen. 4. You will be Tempted to this evil towards your Brethren, namely, to imagine that you are little or nothing concerned with them, and that if they do otherwiſe than they ſhould, the guilt will only lie at their doors; but you ſhall be blameleſs. But my Brethren, it is not ſo. You are not to be indifferent in this matter. For aſſuredly, you are appointed to be keepers of one another. You are bound to prevent and put a ſtop to ſin in one another: or elſe your Brethrens ſins, which you do, or may know if you will, and the wrong they do to themſelves thereby; yea and the Reproach and ſcandal that may come to the Church thereby, will lie at your Doors, and be caſt on your Souls, becauſe you neglected your Duty, and did not in ſeaſon prevent it, as you might have done; if you would.
Look not every man on his own things, but on the things of others alſo, Phil. 2.4. And ſeek not your own, but every one anothers Wealth, 1 Cor. 10.24. Now we exhort you Brethren; warn the unruly, 1 Theſ. 5.14. and Admoniſh the diſorderly, 2 Theſ. 3.15. For this good work, and their wiſe & conſcientious doing of it, the Holy Ghoſt commends the Church at Rome, Chap. 15.14. And ſayes God in Levit. 19.17. Thou ſhalt not hate thy Brother in thy heart: thou ſhalt in any wiſe rebuke him, and not ſuffer ſin upon him. And the Apoſtle in 1 Tim. 5.22. Admoniſhes us to take heed, that we be not partakers of other mens ſins, but to keep our ſelves pure in Math. 18.15, 16, 17. The Lord preſſes this Duty and VVork on you, and ſhews you how you ſhould perform it. Therefore, you muſt mind and carefully do it, in Obedience to his will, and according to your directions there, and not otherwiſe. You muſt watch, and endeavour to gain a Sinner, or ſinning Member; by your firſt, private Admonition, in caſe the evil be private: and if that will not do, take one or two more with thee, and ſee what that will do. But if that will not do the work, nor obtain the end on thy Brothers Soul, then you are bound to bring it to the Church; that by their Teachers or Elders, they may be informed of it, in order to their dealing with, and proceedings againſt him, as commanded. This is another of your great and indiſpenſible VVorks and Duties in the Church. It is true, that this is eſpecially the Elders VVork and Duty, but it is not theirs only, but yours alſo, who are private Members. Oh! therefore, be you perſwaded to mind; carefully, faithfully and diligently to practiſe this VVork and Duty; for unleſs you do ſo, it will be impoſſible to keep the Church in Peace, Honour and Purity. You will do Chriſt and them ſingular ſervice.
Seventhly: You muſt forbear and forgive one another: for this is another of your commanded Duties, Eph. 4.2. forbearing one another in love, verſ. 32. Be ye kind one to another, tender hearted: forgiving one another, even as God for Chriſt ſake hath forgiven you. And in Col. 3.13. Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another: if any man have a quarrel againſt any, even as Chriſt forgave you, ſo alſo do yee. Doth thy Brother ſin againſt thee, or do thee any injury? thou ſhouldſt tell him of it, examine the matter and ſearch out the circumſtances of it; and ſee if he did it unadviſedly, through weakneſs or ignorance, and without any deſign to wrong thee, or whether he did it wittingly, and knowingly? And until thou art ſure that he did it knowingly and wittingly, or wilfully, thou muſt forbear cenſuring him, as having ſo done it. For elſe thou wilt prove a Ʋſurper, and a falſe Judge; which Chriſt forbids, Math. 7.1, 2. Rom. 14. But if upon an impartial ſearch, thou finds him to have wronged thee through ignorance or weakneſs, thou muſt Judge charitably of him, and carry thy ſelf towards him, as God doth towards thee under thy weakneſſes and ignorances. Thou muſt not be raſh and ſevere towards him, either in thy carriages or cenſures. But if it clearly appear upon impartial enquiry, that he did knowingly and wilfully do thee wrong; then thou muſt carry thy ſelf towards, and deal with him, as with a wilful Tranſgreſſor. Thou muſt lay his ſin before him, and ſhew him what Lawes he hath Tranſgreſſed; what evil he hath done thee, what wrong to his own Soul, and what offence he hath done to Chriſt, by breaking his holy Laws. Admoniſh him again and again of his ſin, and cenſure him not too ſeverely, until you find him obſtinate and ſtubborn. For until then, you muſt forbear him; whileſt you are waiting on him, and on God for him, to convince him of his ſin, and give him Repentance unto life. But if your endeavours be bleſſed to thoſe ends, you muſt readily forgive him. And if he be once truly, and ſavingly convinced of and humbled for his ſin: be ſure, that he will moſt freely own and confeſs it to thee, as well as to God, and endeavour to make thee amends, and give thee all poſſible ſatisfaction for the wrong he hath done thee. And this he will do, not by conſtraint, but freely, willingly, and of his own accord, without thy ſeeking to him. For it is a certain ſign that a perſon is not powerfully and ſavingly convinced of, and humbled for his ſin, while he hangs off, and muſt be ſought after to make ſatisfafaction to ſuch as he hath wronged. For were his heart really melted into the will of God, he durſt not, yea could not be quiet, until he hath given all poſſible ſatisfaction to the wronged, Luk. 19.8. But now in caſe he remain obſtinate, and will not hearken to Reproof: what are you to do then? why, then he ſhould take one or two more, and deal with him; and if that will not do, to bring it to the Church; that they, by their Elders, may ſee what they can do with him. But if they cannot prevail on him to repent and make ſatisfaction: then I think the offended may proſecute the Law againſt him. For the Law is made for the lawleſs and diſobedient, 1 Tim. 1.9, 10. But yet he ſhould be ſtill in a readineſs to forgive him when-ever he ſhall repent; pray and hope that he may repent, and when he doth ſo (although it be long firſt) Actually and Cordially forgive him, and renew his kindneſs and Brotherly love to him, as if he had never ſinned.
Eightly, It is your Indiſpenſible duty, to hearken too, and receive Inſtruction, Admonition and Reproofs one from another alſo. For if ſome are Indiſpenſibly bound, at ſome times, to give them: Surely; others who need them, are as much bound to receive them. Prov. 8.33. hear Inſtruction and be wiſe. For he that deſpiſeth Reproof, ſinneth, but he that keepeth Inſtruction, walketh in the way of Life, Prov. 10.17. And the Scripture tells us in Prov. 12.1. Whoſo loveth Inſtruction, loveth knowledge: but he that hateth Reproof is bruitiſh, ſuch as turn a deaf Ear to Reproofs, are marked out for Scorners in Prov. 9.8. and he that is often reproved, and yet hardeneth his neck, ſhall ſuddenly be deſtroyed, and that without remedy, Prov. 29.1. ſuch as turn a deaf Ear to Reproofs and admonitions, or ſlight and refuſe them, do thereby rebell againſt, trample upon, and contemn an ordinance of God, and a means of his appointing, for their happineſſe, and ſo they murder their own Souls, with the means that are given to ſave them. You are bound to hearken to, and receive, your brethrens Reproofs, Counſels and Admonitions; withall Humility Patience and freedome of Spirit: with all love, Meekneſs and Thanfulneſſe to God, and the givers of them. For they are great mercies to you, and they are your real and profitable friends; ſuch as ſeek your good, and endeavour to prevent your deſtruction. And therefore, I wonder not at the Scriptures ſaying, that ſuch as refuſe Inſtruction and Reproof, ſhall ſuddenly be deſtroyed; and that without remedy: for … do deſpiſe the means (as in their preſent caſe) of their Salvation, and which are handled out to them, to prevent their deſtruction. And certainly they ſhall have Judgment without mercy, (as James ſpeaks) who do ſlight the means given them, for ſuch great Ends, and by hardening their hearts againſt them, do render them uſeleſſe to their Souls, and thereby oppoſe and croſſe Gods ends.
Oh! then, do not you ſo wickedly. When a Brother or Siſter, ſee or hear you ſin, and they come to you with the Lords healing playſter, to cure you, receive it; thank them, and bleſſe God for it; apply and improve it, as David did Abigals and Nathans Counſels and Reproofs, 1 Sam. 25. 2 Sam. 12. and ſee that you repent and humble your ſelves in Duſt and Aſhes. For if the contrary heart and carriage be found in you, under juſt Reproofs, Inſtruction & Admonitions, toward God or men: know for a certainty, that you are in a very evil and dangerous caſe; yea you are in the high way to ruine and perdition. Oh! Friends, let it never be ſaid juſtly, of any of you, that you were reproved and admoniſhed of any known Sins, by any Brother or Siſter; and that you refuſed, and ſlighted it; juſtified your ſelves in your Sins and apparent Tranſgreſſions, and were diſpleaſed with, or angry at ſuch as admoniſhed you, and did their Indiſpenſible duty to you, under your Sin, for your Salvation.
Ninthly. Pray one for another, and that with a real Love, fervency, and Importunity, as you do, or ſhould do for your ſelves, Jam. 5.16. Confeſſe your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. Oh! with what ſerious minds and ſtrong Affections, ſhould all Church-members, pray one for another. They muſt be much in building up one another, and praying in the holy Ghoſt, one for another, Jude 20. They ſhould carry one another on their hearts, at the Throne of Grace, eſpecially ſuch as are under Affliction: the whole Church in General, and the Teachers in particular, Heb. 13.18. and wreſtle with God for them. For (as was ſhewed) one Church-member muſt make anothers caſe his own, and be of a publique Spirit towards, and for the good of all: and as in other things ſo in this of Prayer. For they have the Spirit of Prayer given them, Audience and Intereſt in Heaven for others, as well as for themſelves. This is another duty to one another.
Tenthly, You ſhould often meet together for holy diſcourſe and Prayer. Two or three, or more; Brethren by themſelves, and Siſters by themſelves, in and for thoſe God glorifying, and Soul-profiting exerciſes. This was wont to be the Commendable practiſe of our forefathers, and of ſome that are now alive, when Chriſt, Duty, Heaven and Religion lay warmer on their hearts, than now they do. And they made happy earnings of their holy endeavours. Now if it was a much commended Practiſe in them as it was; why then is not the ſame found in and among you, in this day? was it good in them, and will it not be ſo in you too? hath not God promiſed his Glorious Teaching, warming, ſtrengthning, ſanctifying, and comforting preſence with ſuch as do ſo? Matth. 18.20. would not your meeting together, and ſo exerciſing your ſelves, turn to a better account, than your preſent practiſe doth? do you not find time enough, to viſit one another, and meet together, to diſcourſe and talk of things which you ſhould not? Do you not viſit to tell ſome idle ſtories, to tattle of other mens matters, which do not concern you; and it may be, to do that which is worſer; namely, to Back-bite ſome perſons, and to prejudice hearts againſt your Teachers and their Work, if they do not pleaſe you? And will not ſuch meetings have bitterneſs in the end? Yea, do you not thereby, exceedingly deaden & carnalize each others Souls, by theſe things? So that inſtead of bettering one anothers Souls, and furthering them towards Heaven in your meetings, you hinder them, and make them much worſer. Oh! conſider, and lay this matter to heart, I do beſeech you: now while you have time to mend what is amiſs. Conſider my friends both how you do, and how you may and ought to improve and exerciſe your ſelves, in your occaſional and deſigned viſits and meetings; and what account you will be able to give of them at the laſt day. Is it not your great Iniquity to tempt one another to Sin, and wrong your Souls, miſſpend your pretious times and ſeaſons of ſervice for God, and one anothers ſpiritual profit? when you might if you would, have improved them to thoſe ends. We read in Acts 16.13. That Women meet together to pray: but now 'tis accounted almoſt a falſe Doctrine. Men and Women were wont to diſcourſe and ſpeak often of the things of God, and their own experiences, one to another, Mal. 3.16. But where are now any ſuch (almoſt) to be found? perſons can find time enough for every thing, but their greateſt VVorks and Duties. But to ſpeak plainly; 'tis not our want of time, but of hearts. VVe are ſtrangers to God in ſecret, looſe our hearts in the VVorld, and cloy our ſelves with carnal cares and earthly matters: and therefore cannot, will not attend with any delight or freedom of Spirit unto our Duties. This will be found at the bottom of all our neglects, and excuſes for them. But remember, that your Souls need this practiſe, and the uſe of theſe means, that it is your Duty, and will be (if well uſed) very profitable to you.
Eleventhly: Encourage one another by your examples, to keep cloſe to, and be conſtant in your publick work. VVhen ever the Church meets, or are by their Teacher Summoned to meet together, for the Celebration of the worſhip of God: they are bound ſo to do (excepting in extraordinary caſes) that may hinder any. For elſe there can be nothing done, nor any good order kept, for the glory of God, and the edification of the Church. Now then, when the Church ought to meet together, you ought to be preſent, and not by your wilful or careleſs abſence give an evil example to others, and tempt them to do the like. For thereby you will caſt a ſtumbling-block in their way of Duty, and encourage, ſtrengthen and embolden them in their neglects alſo. If it be our Duty to provoke one another to good works, by our Exhortations, then alſo by our Examples and practiſes too. Examples are powerful encouragements to Sin or Duty, to good or evil; to Omiſſions or Commiſſions, 2 Cor. 9.2. Heb. 10.24. 2 Chron. 12.1. 1 Chron. 29.3, 9. If they are good examples, then they provoke others to good, but if evil, then they are powerful to provoke others to do the ſame. VVhen a Member is in the Congregation, and ſees ſuch a Member wanting there, then he is tempted to take the ſame ſinful liberty too: and ſo in all other caſes. All Church-members are indiſpenſibly bound, ordinarily to attend on the Ordinances of God in that Church to which they are joyned. For as they are there called and ſet, ſo their work and Duty lies there. Not forſaking the Aſſembling of your ſelves together, Heb. 10.25. and becauſe ſome are not to neglect ſo to do; therefore (ſayes the Apoſtle) do you provoke each other, to your Duty.
Twelfthly: You muſt be charitable to the poor, that are among you, and freely contribute to them, according to your Ability, and their Neceſſity. You are indiſpenſibly bound to impart your help and aſſiſtance to them, and give them a little of your Eſtates. As you are Stewards for your ſelves, ſo alſo for them. It is a Debt you owe to God, and a Duty to them: you will comfort them thereby, but you will much more profit your ſelves, than you can poſſibly profit them. It is a more bleſſed thing to give, than to receive, Acts 20.35. It is your honour and happineſs, that God enables you to give to them, but it is their Affliction, that they are neceſſitated to receive from you. You ſtand on the Advantage ground by them, both as to work and wages. And therefore, thou has little reaſon to deſpiſe them, or grudge at thy diſtributions to them. Thou art their Steward, and a part of what God hath given thee, was deſigned and intended for them, 1 Pet. 4.10. And therefore (ſayes God) Deut. 15.7, 12. I command thee to open thy hand wide unto thy Brother, that is waxen poor by thee. (Read the words at large) obſerve likewiſe theſe Scriptures, and diligently mark and conſider them, 2 Cor. 8. and 9. Chapters. Gal. 6.9, 10. Heb. 13.16. Prov. 19.17. Pſal. 37.26. Pſal. 41.1, 2, 3. You muſt not only give, to keep them alive in miſery, but make comfortable proviſions for them; that they may have enough to keep them from the Temptations of Poverty, … preſſing wants, and to enable and encourage them for, and in their work and Duty, to God and men.
Thirteenthly: You muſt carefully, watchfully, diligently, and conſcientiouſly beware of, and avoid whatever may give any juſt offence or ſcandal to one another. For we are charged, to give none offence, either to Jew or Gentile, or to the Church of God, 1 Cor. 10.31. And ſayes the Apoſtle, take heed, leſt by any means this liberty of yours become a ſtumbling-block, 1 Cor. 8.9. And our Saviour tells us, that woe to them by whom the offence comes, Math. 18.7. and charges his Diſciples, to take heed and beware of giving any offence to his little ones, verſ. 6.
You muſt not only mind that which you ought to do, but that which you muſt alſo leave undone. For although you ſhould ſtrive to do never ſo much good, yet if that while you are not careful of eſchewing evil, you will do a great deal of hurt, and pull down with the one hand, that which you ſeem to build up with the other. And you muſt alſo ſee, that you do one Duty as well as another. For although you may be frequent attenders on the Ordinances of God in the Church, yet if you come not timely to them, or carry your ſelves unreverently in them, you will give juſt offence. So if you ſhould be charitable to the poor, and yet be negligent in publick worſhip, you will give offence.
But to be brief: know, that you muſt take heed and beware of ſuch evils as theſe, and avoid them. For they do all of them carry a Brand in their fore-heads, and ſcandalous miſchiefs in their hands, both to your own and others Souls. And therefore you ſhould mind them, endeavour to know and avoid them, that they be not found in you.
1. As 1. Proud, lofty ſwelling, diſdainful and haughty words, carriages, walkings and deportments: For they are grievous and provoking evils, and ſuch as will juſtly offend all the obſervers of them.
2. You muſt avoid all ſullen, ſowre and churliſh Language and Behaviour towards all ſorts of perſons, or elſe you will offend them: For it is an evil that is altogether unbecoming the Lambs of Jeſus Chriſt.
3. You muſt beware of a croſs, captious, and contradicting Spirit, and carriage: There are too to many ſuch Members in Churches; whoſe peculiar Excellency, or rather vileneſs lies in this; and who delight in a ſingular perverſneſs of mind and diſcourſe againſt the work, ſenſe, propoſals and judgment of the Church, and the Elders thereof. That ſo they may be heard, and may hear themſelves talk, and from the Pride and haughtineſs of their Spirits, they may ſeem ſome bodies in the Church, or in other Company. But this is very ſcandalous to their Brethren, (excepting ſuch as they have made of their Faction to joyn with them in their unfruitful works of darkneſs) and very reproachful to themſelves; as they will find at long run; But I muſt haſten.
4. You muſt beware of, & avoid, peeviſh, froward and touchy carriages, words and deportments, in private and publick. For they are very ſcandalous and offenſive.
5. You muſt not withdraw your ſelves from your place, work, and Duty in the Church, nor abſent from the VVorſhip and Ordinances of God there, in their times and ſeaſons. For that is a moſt ſcandalous and pernitious evil, as you heard before. It hath an innumerable Company of evils in the Womb of it, and that do attend it: which I have now no room to mention. And it is a direct Tranſgreſſion of Gods Laws, Rules and Orders in his Churches, beſides the ſcandal and evil conſequences of it.
6. Take heed of that filthy ſin, of ſpeaking evil of one another behind their backs; you muſt not be Whiſperers or Back-biters, nor ſpeak of the real or ſuppoſed evils of one another, but to their faces, or before them; until you have done your duty to them in ſecret. For if you ſhould, you will greatly provoke them, and greatly ſtumble, offend and ſcandalize ſuch, as you ſo ſpeak evil of.
7. You muſt beware of ſpeaking ſlightingly and contemptibly of one another, either to their faces, or behind their backs. For men, yea the beſt of men, will not, cannot patiently bear contemptuous words, and undeſerved ſlighting carriages from their Brethren.
8. You muſt beware of and avoid vain, fooliſh and frothy diſcourſes; for they are very ſcandalous and offenſive to gracious hearts.
9. Take heed of Earthly-mindedneſs, and greedy purſuits after worldly things; for as they are offenſive to God and pernitious to your own Souls: ſo they are ſcandalous and grievous to beholders.
10. Take heed and beware of ſtrife and contention amongſt your ſelves; for that will do a world of miſchief, and produce many evil and wicked fruits.
11. Take heed of grudging at, or envying one anothers proſperity; for thereby you controul God himſelf, and give occaſion of great offence to your Brethren; when they ſhall ſee, that they cannot receive mercies from God, without your envyings and grudgings.
12. Be ſure to deal juſtly with all men, and give to every one his due: defrauding is a very reproachful and ſcandalous ſin. Contract not Debts, and delay, or deny to pay them; For if you do, you will ſcandalize your Brethren, and cauſe the name of God to be evil ſpoken of.
13. Be ſure to make good, and perform all your peremptory promiſes to men, and take heed and beware of breaking them, or failing and diſappointing men of their juſt expectations from you; for that alſo will be ſcandalous and offenſive.
14. Take heed of taking into a marriagebond, ſuch as are apparently in an unbelieving and carnal ſtate and condition; For that alſo is very offenſive to holy ſerious men: although ſome make light of it.
15. Take heed of idleneſs and ſlothfulneſs in your Callings; For that will prove a pernitious and ſcandalous ſin to others, and your own ſouls too.
16. Take not up a Report againſt one another, that is ſcandalous, nor give an ear unto Tatlers and buſie-bodies, nor be you buſie-bodies in other mens matters your ſelves; For if you do, you will give great offence.
Theſe are ſome, and but ſome of the ſcandalous evils that you muſt carefully avoid, as a duty that you owe to God, to your Brethren and to your own ſouls. I could have named many more, but I find theſe the moſt common amongſt Profeſſors.
Now as you muſt avoid theſe and other evils; mind and practiſe the ſaid Duties, as Church-Members one to another: ſo you muſt ſeriouſly mind the manner, reaſons and ends of doing them alſo. The reaſon of your ſo doing, muſt be the will of Chriſt your Head and King, becauſe he hath ſo commanded you. And the principle of all you do, muſt be love to him, and to the ſouls of your Brethren. The ends muſt be to pleaſe, honour and exalt the Lord Jeſus, and to profit and benefit your Brethrens ſouls, and maintain the Credit and Reputation of the Church, and the Worſhip and Ordinances of God therein; and to preſerve Peace and Purity among your ſelves. The manner muſt be thus; namely, wiſely, dutifully, chearfully, obediently, freely, willingly, humbly, holily, ſeriouſly, diligently, ſincerely, and perſeveringly. For you ſhould be as careful of doing your Duties to men in a right manner, as you are of performing your Duties immediately to God ſo. I can but mention theſe things, becauſe I have exceeded my intentions in others. The Lord God bleſs them to you all.