A Gospel Church, Chapter 11
CHAP. XI.
Shewing how Church-members ought to walk, and what Sins and Temptations they are obnoxious to in their Church-ſtate; with Rules and cautions againſt them; Arguments and motives to perſwade to practice the one, and avoid the other.
Queſt. HOw ought Believers to walk in Church-fellowſhip?
Anſw. I have ſhewed already what their duties are, and how they ſhould carry themſelves towards their Officers, and towards one another in a Church-ſtate, and therefore ſhall not mention them here: but ſhall anſwer the queſtion in theſe following particulars.
Firſt, Church-members muſt walk exemplarily: they ſhould be like ſo many Stars in the Firmament of the Church. They of all perſons in the world ought to be burning and ſhining lights. Their graces, gifts, words, deeds, and carriages ſhould ſhine ſo clear and bright, ſo gloriouſly and conſpicuouſly, as that they ſhould have the force and prevalency of Laws on the minds of beholders, ſo as that they may ſafely & ſecurely imitate & follow them. The Churches of Chriſt in the world, are as ſo many Sea-marks, Pilots, & Guides, to Men; they live more in the glory of Heaven (as the Church is called in Rev. 13.6.) & in the beams of the glorious Son of Righteouſneſs than others do, and therefore they ſhould give better and clearer light, than others can.
They are much more eyed, minded, and obſerved than others are, and men expect, and look for more good in, and choice fruits from them, than they do from other men: They do, or may converſe more with Chriſt, and Chriſt with them, than other men do, and they are partakers of greater things from him than other men are; and therefore they muſt be a ſingular People in all manner of holy Converſation and Godlineſs. Church-members are highly dignified, and greatly priviledged; their holy Profeſſion gives out, & beſpeaks them to be a peculiar Treaſure unto God; and therefore they muſt declare before all men, that they are ſuch indeed, and not in pretence only. Their frames of heart, words, deeds, and deportments, muſt ſpeak for them, & manifeſt them to be the ſame in Truth which they pretend to be. Church-members words, works, and carriages, muſt praiſe them in the Gate.
1. They ſhould be ſhining lights in Humility and Meekneſs, Col. 3.12. Put on therefore as the Elect of God, humbleneſs of mind, meekneſs, 1 Pet. 5.5. and be Cloathed with Humility, Phil. 2.3. But in lowlineſs of mind let each eſteem other better than themſelves, Matth. 11.29. Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart. Church-members muſt not be high, proud, and lofty; they may not think highly of themſelves, Rom. 12.3. nor cloath and deck themſelves as others do; They may not carry themſelves ſtrangely or diſdainfully towards men; but be meek and humble towards their Brethren, and all men in their Apparel, Words, Deeds, and Carriages; for if this part of Chriſt's Image do not appear in ſome good meaſure on them, they cannot have any at all. A meek ſpirit, carriage, and deportment is one of their Ornaments, It is in the ſight of God of great price, 1 Pet. 3.
2. They muſt ſhine in Zeal & Fervency of ſpirit; this holy fire ſhould burn among them. They muſt not be of dull, ſtupid, heavy, and lumpiſh ſpirits; worſhip God, appear before him, and hold Communion one with another, indifferently, coldly, dully, regardleſly and heavily, as if they were rather driven to their work and duty againſt their wills, than with their choyce, love, and deſire; but they muſt be fervent in ſpirit, ſerving the Lord, Rom. 12.11. for which ſome of the Corinthians were commended, 2 Cor. 7.11 and Phinchas, Numb. 25.11.13. and David, Pſal. 69.9. To this they are redeemed, and for it they are purchaſed, Tit. 2.14. not only to do good works, but to be Zealous in and for them. The Lord Jeſus charges his Churches to be Zealous Churches, Rev. 3.19. in imitation of himſelf, whoſe Zeal to God did eat him up, Joh. 2.17. Much holy Zeal governed and guided by much ſpiritual Wiſdom makes a man an excellent, ſhining, uſeful, acceptable, and deſirable man indeed. This ſhould be another of the Churches beauties and comely Ornaments, wherewith they ſhould ſtill be cloathed, decked, and adorned in this world. If this Diamond do not ſhine; if they are not adorned with this rare Jewel; what are they worth? and what are they good for? They will be like fire without heat and light, as to their duty, work, and uſefulneſs: They will be like Drones, or like Bees without ſtings, namely, of no conſiderable uſe in the world. All, that they do for God, Men, and their own Souls, will be of little or no eſteem and account.
3. They muſt ſhine in Love and Charity too. Love is the bond of perfectneſs, Col. 3.14. the ligament and ſinew, the cord and inſtrument that tyes us faſt to God, and to one another. See that ye love one another with pure hearts, fervently, 1 Pet. 122. and let Love be without diſſimulation, Rom. 12.9. Thou ſhalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ſoul, and ſtrength, Matth. 22.37. The internal motive, or moving cauſe of all obedience and ſervice to God, muſt be love to him and our duty. Joh. 14.15. 1 Joh. 5.3. It is true that men cannot certainly diſcern this Love to God in one another, but God and our own Conſciences may, and muſt: Churches of Chriſt muſt be Churches of Love; they ſhould be acted and animated, drawn and conſtrained to every good work by Love, 2 Cor. 5.14. All the ways and workings of Jeſus Chriſt to us, all that he doth to, or for us, is Love. Doth he inſtruct us? or doth he correct us? it is all in, and from love. Love to us is the bottom, ſpring, and cauſe of all his diſpenſations towards us. His anger is provoked Love. Love ſhould knit our hearts faſt to our God and Head, to our duties and ſervices, and to one another in Church-fellowſhip. But of this already elſe-where.
4. Churches muſt ſhine in that great work and duty of Self-denyal, when need requires. He that will be my Diſciple (ſaith Chriſt) muſt deny himſelf, Mark. 8.34. Matth. 16.24. Luk. 9.26. They ſhould be eminent and ſingular in Self-denyal, or in denying themſelves of many things for Chriſt, for their Brethren, and for their own ſouls ſakes. Their Lord Jeſus is the great copy, pattern, and examplar of Self-denyal, and that for them, to ſerve them, and promote their happineſs, Phil. 2.5, 6, 7, 8. Acts 20.28. and without this we cannot be his Diſciples. If we will not deny our ſelves for him and his people, he will not own us for his true Friends and Subjects. Churches muſt deny themſelves of (1.) Their worldly Buſineſſes and Intereſts, that they may wait on God, and celebrate his Ordinances of divine worſhip together. They muſt not be in their Shops, in the Fields, or about their worldly Buſineſſes and Recreations, when the Church meets to worſhip God. They may not, muſt not be about, and doing other things, when providence calls them to worſhip God: Neither may they ſtay at home to get the world, and ſerve themſelves, when they ſhould be in the Ordinances of God with their Brethren, ſerving God, and enriching their ſouls with his Spirit, Grace, and Truth. But then God calls them to Self-denyal. (2.) They muſt deny themſelves to reprove and admoniſh Offenders, and adventure on their diſpleaſure in doing it. There are many difficulties in the way of this work within and without, and it will require Self-denyal to do it as we ought. Our hearts are averſe to it, our worldly intereſts are againſt it; for we may loſe a Friend as often as we do it to purpoſe. (3.) They muſt ſomtimes deny themſelves to help and relieve their poor Brethren, Eph. 4.28. The Rich to talk and hold friendly, and intimate converſe and communion with their Inferiors in gifts and worldly things▪ Rom. 12.16. and others to ſupply the wants of the Poor and Needy, which they are bound to provide for. (4.) They muſt deny themſelves of the Garbs and Faſhions of the times and places wherein they live, when they may prove ſtumbling blocks unto the weak, Rom. 14.1. Cor. 8. They muſt not pleaſe themſelves only, but their Brethren, (with the denyal of themſelves) for their good to edification, Rom. 15.1, 2, 3. They muſt ſomtimes deny themſelves of their own liberty, leſt the uſe of it prove a ſnare to others. (5.) They muſt deny themſelves ſomtimes of living up to the height and top of their Eſtates, eſpecially when they have riſen up from a low mean condition, to a high and rich condition; for their doing ſo is uſually very offenſive. (6.) They muſt ſomtimes deny their own natural tempers and diſpoſitions alſo. There are ſome perſons very much diſpoſed to talk much in Company; they will have moſt, if not all the talk; they muſt (as they think) talk, and others muſt hear them; becauſe they have a greater volubility, and fancy that they can expreſs themſelves better, and talk to better purpoſe than others can. But in this they ought to deny themſelves, and to be (as James ſpeaks, chap. 1. v. 19.) ſwift to hear, and ſlow to ſpeak, eſpecially young Men and young Converts. 2. Women, eſpecially with and before men. 3. Inferiors with and before their Superiors; for their much ſpeaking to and before them, gives great offence. And here let me caution Wives to take heed and beware of that too much practiſed evil, namely, their too liberal and ſhameful talking before, or in the preſence of their Husbands: For although they think they do thereby lay open their Wiſdom, yet their Auditors are ſatisfied, that they do too imperiouſly lay open their ſhame; and the like do other inferiors towards their Superiors. So there are ſome Church-members who are naturally addicted to much Jeſting, and take much pleaſure therein: But they are called to, and commanded ſelf-denyal in this alſo, Eph. 4.29. Eph. 5.4. Col. 4.6. They ought to be very ſober and ſerious, and to curb and reſtrain their natural bent, inclination and diſpoſition in this & other matters. (7.) They muſt deny themſelves ſomtimes of their own juſt rights and dues, to avoyd ſcandal and reproach to the Goſpel, Jew, Gentile, and Church of God, 1 Cor. 10.32. They muſt not be too ſevere on ſuch as do them wrong, either by detaining from them their dues of money, or other things, eſpecially if they be poor, or much decayed in their Eſtates, Matth. 5.39, 40, 41. They muſt ſuffer wrong ſomtimes, yea, and that in many things, rather than ſtrive, contend, or diſpute; they muſt put up Injuries, and ſit down with loſs for the preventing of greater evils, to ſhew the excellency of their ſpirits, and manifeſt before all men, what their ſpecial grace can do.
5. Churches muſt ſhine in Patience and Contentation; they muſt learn in every ſtate, therewith to be content, Phil. 4.11. and run their race with patience, Heb. 12.1. Church-members may not ſhew a murmuring diſquiet ſpirit, or a contentious quarrelling ſpirit any way, under any providence whatſoever, Phil 2.14. but take all things well that God doth, either by his own, or the Creatures hands; thus did Job, Eli, Aaron, David, Paul, for which they are renowned. Let your Converſation be without Covetouſneſs, and be content with ſuch things as you have, Heb. 13.5. and with patience poſſeſs ye your ſouls; a meek and a quiet ſpirit is in the ſight of God of great price, 1 Pet. 3. An impatient, diſcontented, murmuring, quarrelſome ſpirit, is very hateful and abominable to God and Men. They are great ſcandals to men, and make the guilty perſons lothſome and undeſirable. Certainly this ſhould be another of the Churches Ornaments and Jewels, wherewith they ſhould be clothed, and wherein they ſhould ſhine in the world, and adorn their holy profeſſion.
6. Church-members ſhould ſhine in Peace and Concord; they muſt be Peace-makers, not Peace-breakers, where, and with whom they live and converſe. They muſt not be Brawlers, or ſowers of diſcord, but be lovers of Peace, and followers of Peace, and that with all men: Stirs and ſtrifes are moſt pernitious and hateful evils among Church-members; they are the Devils Seeds-men, and his Servants, to ſow his Seed for him, Prov. 6.16, 19. Peace-breakers are common Plagues, and very ſcandalous and offenſive to all ſorts of men. Oh! how often doth the God of Peace, and Prince of Peace command and charge us to do the things that make for peace, to follow peace with all men, to be at peace among themſelves, and as much as in them is, to live peaceably with all men? They muſt be men of peaceable ſpirits, carriages, words, and deeds, that they may be bleſſed, Matth. 5.9. and becauſe God hath ſo commanded, 2 Cor. 13.11. Rom. 14.19. Heb. 12.14. 1 Theſ. 5.13. Rom. 12.18. I have mentioned this before among the duties of Church-members to one another. But now I have a further aim, namely, to ſhew what ſpirits and practices ſhould be found in Church-members towards all men, but eſpecially towards their Fellow-members and their Relations with whom they live.
7. Church-members muſt ſhine in Ʋſefulneſs to men, or in Fruit-bearing. They ſhould all of them bear Twins, and there ought not to be a barren Member among them, Cant. 4.2. They are not ſet in this world as reaſonable Creatures, and maintained in it, to live unto themſelves; much leſs are they Created again in Chriſt Jeſus, called to, and ſet in a Church-ſtate, enriched and dignified with all the priviledges and advantages thereof, to live for, and unto themſelves. No, but they are united to Chriſt, and one to another in a Church-relation, that they might live to God, and be uſeful to men, 2 Cor. 5.15. Gal. 6.10. Do good to all men, eſpecially to the Houſhold of Faith. Barren Church-members are Incumbrances in the world, and are dead while they live; they live undeſired, and dye unlamented; they are like withered Trees in an Orchard, good for nothing, but to be out down, and caſt into the fire, Joh. 15.6. Heb. 6.7, 8. They muſt follow every good work, 1 Tim. 5.10. in the Churches, Families, and places where they live, They muſt not ſ…ck their own things, but every one anothers wealth, 1 Cor. 10.24. Phil. 2.4. Theya re indiſpenſibly bound to promote the welfare, holineſs, and happineſs of their Churches, Families, Relations, and all other Perſons ſo far as they can, and that zealouſly, diligently, faithfully, and conſtantly. They are Created in Chriſt Jeſus unto good works, Eph. 2.10, and they are ſet in the Church for the ſame.
8. Churches ſhould ſhine in, and with courteous and affable ſpirits, words, and carriages too. For they ſhould be like their Head, and Huſband in this excellency alſo. Church-members muſt not be of harſh, ſowre, crabbed, & churliſh ſpirits and behavior towards men, for that will render them odious and contemptible; but they muſt imitate and conform to the Lord Jeſus in a holy ſweetneſs, kindneſs, courteouſneſs, and affability towards Saints and Sinners, that they may adorn the Goſpel of Chriſt in all things, Tit. 2.10. 1 Pet. 3.8. A kind, courteous, and affable carriage and behaviour is a very comely and beautiful Garment for all ſuch to wear about them; for it commends their Perſons and Religion unto men, and makes them exceeding lovely, deſirable and acceptable in all Societies; as alſo the good ways of God which they do profeſs to love, and in which they walk.
9. They ſhould ſhine with ſympathizing and forgiving ſpirits and practices. Their fallen Brethren, or Neighbours, who have ſinned by wrenging them, may ſtand in need of their Pitty, Pardon, and Sympathy; and then they ſhould vouchſafe it to them, and not be raſh and ſevere unto them. They muſt not lay on another load on their backs, & purſue them with raſh Cenſures, ſhews of Cruelty and Vengeance in words or deeds, in wrath and diſpleaſure; but pitty them, pray for them, and give them the hand to raiſe them up again, and bring them to Conviction and Repentance, until they appear obſtinate and ſtubborn in their ſin. The Servant that took his fellow Servant by the throat, ſaying unto him, pay me my dues, is branded for a wicked man, Math. 18.28.35. It is ſuch a kind of cruelty as God abhors, and all holy men hate, and the world are ſtumbled at. Perſons, as ſoon as they ſin againſt us, or any way wrong us, are not preſently to be the objects of our Contempt and Cruelty, or of our Wrath & Fury; no, but they ought to be the objects of our Pitty and Compaſſion, of our Sympathy and Aſſiſtance; and when they do ſeriouſly repent of any wrong they have done us, although they cannot make any other reſtitution or ſatisfaction, we ought to forgive them, help, and comfort them, Eph. 4. ult. Col. 3.13. Math. 18 ult. 2 Cor. 2.7.10.
10. Churches ſhould ſhine in their orderly and dutiful Walkings in the Churches, as alſo in the Families where they live, and in, and towards their ſeveral Relations. Next to that myſterious and glorious Union and Relation, that is between the Lord Jeſus and his people, that which is between his People in Church-fellowſhip and Relation, is the neareſt and greateſt; becauſe (1.) It is a ſpiritual Relation and Union. 2. Becauſe it is a Union and Relation on Chriſts account, and with reſpect to him as their Head and King. 3. Becauſe it is an everlaſting Union and Relation. Therefore in this Communion and Relation we ſhould be moſt preciſe and exact in our walkings, and performing all the duties of it. They muſt keep their places in the Church, and conſtantly attend unto all the duties therein. They ſhould never neglect their Church-meetings, excepting in extraordinary caſes, but be preſent at the Celebration of all divine Worſhip & obſervation of all the Ordinances of Chriſt in the Church, and demean themſelves before God and Men as becomes the Goſpel of Chriſt. They muſt endeavour ſo to walk in the Church, in their Families, among, and towards their Relations, as that they may be blameleſs, giving no offence, Phil. 2.15, 16. Col. 2.5. 2 Cor. 6.3.
11. Church-members muſt ſhine in Diligence and Faithfulneſs. Slothfulneſs & Unfaithfulneſs are ſcandalous ſins; but Diligence and Faithfulneſs in our truſts and buſineſſes, are Ornaments to our perſons and profeſſions, and to the Goſpel and Holy Name of Chriſt, which we do profeſs to love and believe. Church members are eyed and much obſerved, and therefore they had need walk circumſpectly, Eph. 5.15. and beg of God to lead them in plain paths, (as David did) becauſe of their Enemies; as (or 'tis in the Margin) thoſe which obſerve me, Pſal. 27.11. They ſhould be diligent in their work and buſineſs, and what their hands find to do, to do it with all their might, Eccle. 9.10. 2 Pet. 3.14. Heb. 6.12. And as they ſhould be diligent, ſo likewiſe faithful and truſty to all that are concerned with them, ſo as to anſwer every ones reaſonable expectation from them; they muſt be faithful and true to one another in buying and ſelling, in borrowing and lending, in work and buſineſs, and in counſel and friendſhip. Whatever Truſts they commit to one another, or is by any committed to them, they are indiſpenſibly bound to be as faithful and true to ſuch as to themſelves. They muſt render to all their Dues, Rom. 13.7, 8. and not in any thing purloyn, Tit. 2.10. Are they Buyers or Sellers, Lenders or Borrowers, or ſuch as are intruſted by any men in any thing? they muſt be faithful to their Truſts, or they will reproach the Lord Jeſus, ſcandalize men, and greatly diſhonour their Profeſſion. Theſe are ſome of the many good things, wherein they ſhould be as ſo many burning and ſhining Lights in the world, and in the Churches.
Secondly: They muſt deſign, aim at, and proſecute all the ends of God in appointing ſuch a ſtate and condition for them, their cleaving to, joyning with, and walking therein. God and they muſt joyn Iſſues and carry on the ſame ends and intereſts. I have ſhewed you what ends perſons ſhould have in their eye, in joyning themſelves to the Churches of Chriſt; or in walking in Church-fellowſhip; and now I ſay, that in this State they muſt practically purſue them, and that with all poſſible diligence, ſeriouſneſs, and faithfulneſs. The Honour and Glory of God the Father, and Jeſus Chriſt their Head and King, the happineſs and ſalvation of their own ſouls, are the two, or rather (as free grace hath laid it) the one great end of their ſo doing; for theſe ends are no more two, but one, and ſo to be believed and reſpected by us. This General includes many particular and ſubordinate ends, which in purſuance and obtaining of the General, we muſt have in our eyes and hearts in our walking in this ſtate and relation. I ſhall not mention them here, but refer you to the next foregoing Chapter, where you may find ſeveral of them. OnelyOnly I ſhall add, that you muſt ſincerely and unfainedly keep theſe and all other, Gods holy Ends, in your eyes and hearts, and purſue them with all your might, until you have obtained them to the higheſt degree you may. You muſt hold Communion together for theſe ends, and you muſt diſcourſe one with another, hear the Word Preached, Pray, Sing, and receive the Lords Supper together for theſe ends. You muſt wreſtle with God in ſecret, quicken, and provoke one another, and prepare your hearts that you may ſo enjoy Ordinances, and worſhip God together, as to obtain them in the Houſe of God,
Thirdly: Church-members muſt walk humbly with God, Micah 6.8. They muſt have a watchful eye againſt Heart-pride, and being great in their own eyes, becauſe of their greatr Piviledges & high Dignities, their nearneſs to God, and the diſtinguiſhing Character that is upon them. All your glorying muſt be in God, not in your ſelves or Priviledges, 1 Cor. 1. ult. for all you have is but lent you. A humble heart, and lowly ſpirit, is a Jewel of great account in Heaven. To ſuch a perſon God looks with delight and complacency, Iſa. 66.2. To him he gives more grace, and fills his ſoul with good things, 1 Pet. 5.5. Luk. 1.53. The meek and humble-hearted he will teach, Pſal. 25.9. The lower any are in their own eyes, the higher is God there: The more humble-hearted any man is, the more excellent and glorious he is; the more like the moſt renowned Worthies in Scripture; yea, the more like Chriſt himſelf, Matth. 11.29. The more humble and lowly any man is, the more capable he is of Communion with God, and of being enriched with his Grace and Truth. If you indulge the Pride of your hearts, or countenance Self-conceitedneſs in your ſelves, you will grieve the holy Spirit, and cauſe him to forſake you. For as a humble heart gives God his due, ſo a proud heart robs him of it, and takes it. to himſelf. A humble heart is a growing, thriving, and profiting heart; it will make happy earnings of all Gods Diſpenſations. He that is of a meek and humble ſpirit, is a gainer by all Providences, & is bettered by all Occurrences: He gains by the Rod, and alſo by the Word; he gains by Loſſes, Croſſes, Tryals, Temptations, Poverty, Reproaches; ſo likewiſe by Proſperity, Honour, Riches, and all other ſmiling Providences. If he looſe without, he gains within; therefore you ought to put on, as the Elect of God, holy and beloved, humbleneſs of mind towards God, 1 Col. 3.12. as well as humble carriages towards men, (as you heard before). For God loves to keep company with humble perſons.
Fourthly: Live by Faith on your God and Father, on your Head and King; and expect (in the way of your duty and obedience to his Commands) all the fulneſs of Chriſt, and bleſſings of the Covenant. Do not give place to diſtruſts, doubts, and fears, or imagine that God will forget you, or deny you that which he hath promiſed, becauſe of your perſonal unworthineſs. Conſider, that he hath called you into fellowſhip, and formed you into holy Corporations, put you under his Ordinances, and made you his Houſholds, brought you into Order, and ſet you near unto himſelf, that he might viſit you and walk with you, that he might impart his Counſels to you, diſtribute his Covenant-favours to your ſouls, perform his Promiſes, and fill you with all the fulneſs of himſelf: Therefore do you hang about him, and cleave to him, for he is faithful that hath promiſed, Heb. 10.23. and is able to perform all his Promiſes, Rom. 4.21. yea, and he is moſt freely willing to do it alſo, Micah 7. ult. Remember that God hath not brought you into his Houſe to famiſh you, or deal ſeverely with you: No, but to nouriſh and feed you, to ſtrengthen and ſanctifie you, to comfort and refreſh you, to teach you, build you up, care for you, and prepare you for eternal life. God is ever mindful of his Covenant; therefore do you remember to make him your ſtay and truſt, live upon him, and expect all promiſed good from him; He would have you do ſo, he hath commanded it, and therefore do it in obedience to his will, Pſal. 37.3.5.7. Rom. 1.17. Heb. 11.38. 1 Pet. 5.7. His hand and heart will be open to you, and from his Fountain of Love & Graces ſhall flow Rivers of living waters into your ſouls, Zach. 13.1. He will always care for, and watch over you for good; he will water you every moment; he will keep you night and day, Iſa. 27. 3. Oh! then truſt in him at all times, and in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will not fail to direct your ſteps, Prov. 3.6. caſt all your care on him, for he careth for you, and the peace of God ſhall keep you, Phil. 4. Expect, and look for your purchaſed and promiſed portions in your Fathers Houſe, in walking in his Family-order, and under the Government thereof, under the Laws and inſpection of the great and gracious Lord thereof. In all your waitings on him in every Ordinance of his, be ſure to believe, hope, and wait for his Preſence and Bleſſings. When-ever you aſcend the Mountain of the Lords Houſe, to meet the God of Jacob, and to preſent your King with a Thank-offering, be ſure to carry Faith with you, go with much Faith and Hope unto him, and do as Children do, whilſt in their Fathers Houſe; they live on their Father for Food, Raiment, and all other bodily ſupplys. So do you in your Fathers ſpiritual Houſe, live on him for all proviſions, mind your duty, and truſt him with your promiſed all.
Fifthly: Let your Praiſe wait for your God and King in Zion, Pſal. 65.1. and do not neglect to go up to his Temples with your Sacrifices, when the Tribes go, or are called up thither; then, I ſay, do you be ſure to go up with them; ſtay not behind, nor tarry at home, when others go up; go with your Brethren when they go, that it may be ſaid, as in Pſal. 84.7. Every one (namely, of the Church) appeareth before God in Zion; and be ſure that when you go, you go not empty-handed, Exod. 23.15. Exod. 34.20. If you cannot preſent your King with a Lamb for a Thank-offering, carry him two Turtle Doves with you; if not able to carry two Doves, then carry with thee two Mites, as the Widdow, the poor Widdow did, Mark. 12.42, 43, 44. But if thou haſt not two Mites to carry with thee, to preſent to thy God for a Free-will or Thank-offering, then go abegging to him for one; but in any wiſe go to your Church-meetings with your Brethren, tarry not behind them: For if you do neglect to do ſo, you rob God, break your Covenant, offend your Brethren, and wrong your own ſouls. You muſt go up, becauſe you are called to go, and that you may meet God in Zion, and receive his bleſſings, for there he commands them, Pſal. 133. ult. Oh! it is ſad indeed, when perſons ſhall pretend to enter into Churches, take upon them the obſervation of all the Laws and Ordinances of Chriſt there, ſolemnly and publickly promiſe and engage to walk in all the Commandments and Ordinances of God with his people, and yet ſhall dare wilfully to neglect their place and duty therein, and to pay their Vows to their God and King, Pſal. 65.1. Pſal. 61.5.8. Such as are good Governours of Families and Corporations will carefully mind if all within them do anſwer to their calls, and perform their duties, when called ſo to do. So doth the Lord Jeſus Chriſt in his Churches, He ſummons them by his Miniſters to appear before him, wait on, and worſhip him together, and bring him a Church-offering and ſervice, and narrowly obſerves who comes, and who neglects it; how thy come, and with what frames of hearts, & to what ends, as the 2. & 3. Chap of Rev. ſhew. And if he find any wanting that might come, or ſee them come careleſly and ſuperficially, he accounts himſelf ſlighted & diſobeyed, and his Love and Grace contemned and undervalued. God expects that you ſhould be conſtant in Church-meetings, and not decline them at any time, but when his hand obſtructs and impedes you; but that there you ſhould come with your Free-will offerings, and do your Duty & Homage to him, as he commanded you. Believe it, this is a matter of great moment, and not to be ſlighted or diſregarded by you.
Sixthly: You muſt walk with God in Church-fellowſhip, in Sincerity, and with Ʋprightneſs of heart to. Without this, all your performances are in vain. The Lord Jeſus is very curious and critical in ſearching your hearts in your Churchſtate, Rev. 2.23. And all the Churches ſhall know that I ſearch the reins and the heart. And in Jer. 17.10. ſaith God to the inchurched Jews, I the Lord ſearch the heart, I try the reins. Then ſurely it muſt very much concern you to ſee, that you draw night to God (continually) with true hearts, Heb. 10.22. and that without all allowed Guile and Hypocriſie. A little of this Leaven will quickly leaven the whole lump of duties, Gal. 5.9. It will ſo corrupt and ſowre them, as that they will be all ſtark naught, and good for nothing, but to kindle and encreaſe the flames of God's Wrath and Vengeance againſt you. Therefore take heed and beware of Hypocriſie, and do not connive or wink at the leaſt grain of it in your hearts or duties, but be ſure to walk with God in the performance of all duties, in Integrity and Uprightneſs: Be ſure, that your God expects it from you, and requires it of you, Joſhua 24.14. Gen. 17.1. The Eyes of the Lord run to and fro through-out the Churches, to ſee whoſe heart is perfect with him, and whoſe is hypocritical, 2 Chron. 16.9. He requires Truth in the inward parts, Pſal. 51.6. and that all Church-members ſhould walk before him in Truth, and with perfect hearts, 2 King. 20.3. You muſt worſhip God, and ſerve him with your all, for your little all is but too little for him, Prov. 23.26. Math. 22.37. Pſal. 119.10. You muſt not leave one hoof behind, when you do any thing for God, nor put God off with a part of your abilities for the whole; for if you do, you will loſe the acceptance and reward of all: Bleſs the Lord, O my ſoul, and all that is within me, bleſs his holy Name (ſaith David) Pſal. 103.1.
Seventhly: See that you worſhip God, and obſerve all his Ordinances in the Church, in ſpirit or ſpiritually. Remember that you are his holy ſpiritual Temples, the Temples of the Holy Ghoſt, Eph. 2.21. 1 Cor. 3.16. that all the Ordinances of worſhip in them are holy and ſpiritual Ordinances ſtampt with the Image of God's Holineſs and Authority; and that he will be worſhipped in ſpirit, or ſpiritually, Joh. 4.23, 24. You muſt be very careful that you take not up with the external part and outſide of your duties and priviledges, that you ſettle not your ſelves and ſtay (as it were) in, and upon Ordinances, and your enjoying and obſerving them; but get within the Vail, ſeek and look for God and Chriſt, for Heaven and glorious things in them. Let your Faith conduct you by the hand of the Spirit into the boſom and heart of Chriſt, that there you may read his Love, Grace, and glorious Excellencies, have intimate and cloſe Communion with him, and be raviſhed and refreſhed with his Perſon and Love. Get into his Galleries, and ſee the King of Glory in his beautys and tranſcendant ſweetneſſes, and get into the Sanctum Sanctorum, into the moſt holy place; for the way is opened, and the vail drawn off and removed by your Head, for you to come and meet him there, Heb. 10.19, 20▪ Therefore do not ſtand and worſhip in the outer Court of the Temple, but go and paſs through Ordinances to Chriſt into the holieſt of all; and when-ever you go and enter in, be you ſure that you carry all Graces & the Spirit with you, to meet your Lord, and honour him with them. Endeavour all you can to ſee and feel him, to get your hearts raviſhed with his Perſon and Love, that thereby they may be raiſed up to great delight, joy, chearfulneſs, adoration, admiration and praiſe, that they may be filled with his Savours, warmed with his Love, drawn by his Beauty, be (by all) knit and united, tyed and bound faſt to him. Then we worſhip him in ſpirit, or ſpiritually, when we worſhip him, & go to meet him with all our Graces in the Holy of Holies, & when our Hearts & Graces do cloſe up with, and hold Communion with him in theſe Beauties of Holineſs, Pſal. 110.3. I am affraid that very few Church-members are experimentally acquainted with this matter; for if they were ſo acquainted with it indeed, they could not do as they do. They could not neglect the worſhip and Ordinances of Chriſt, nor cry up a Cephas, and cry down a Paul, as they do, 1 Cor. 3. They could not be ſo careleſs and formal in them as they are, nor carry about ſuch dead, lumpiſh, and heavy hearts and minds as they do. Well, but however it hath been with you, let it be ſo no more: Do you for time to come learn ſo to worſhip God, as you have heard, that ſo you may pleaſe and honour him, and he may delight to meet with, and bleſs you.
Eightly: You muſt walk in Church-fellowſhip, chearfully, comfortably, and joyfully. You muſt not be Whiners and Complainers; you muſt not be ſad, lumpiſh, and melancholly in your Father's Houſe: No, for that will greatly reflect on your Father, and on your Head and Husband. You will raiſe ſuſpicions in the minds of men on the good ways of God, and in a ſenſe you will contradict his Goſpel, his Truth, and Faithfulneſs, his Love and Care to and over his Churches. For God hath promiſed to make his People joyful in his Houſe of Prayer, Iſa. 56.7. and to ſatisfie them with Bread, Pſal. 132.15. But by the ſad and heavy walkings of his People in his Houſe, they declare that they are not ſatisfied, nor find ſuch Proviſions in his Houſe as he promiſed, and they expected. Such ſad, lumpiſh, and melancholly Church-members do greatly diſhonour Chriſt and his good ways, offend their Brethren and ſcandalize the World. For when they ſee them walk ſo, what will they think and ſay of the waies and Ordinances of God? will they not falſely accuſe and condemn them, deſpiſe and loath them, yea and harden their hearts againſt Religion it ſelf? or elſe they will judge and cenſure ſuch for Hypocrites and Diſſemblers. We ought to commend Religion and the good wayes of God, wherein we walk, to the Conviction and Acceptance of all that behold us: and that in one thing or way, as well as another. We ſhould walk with a holy, ſerious, chearfulneſs, and pleaſantneſs, and be joyful, chearful and pleaſant before and towards all men; and that for Chriſt's, Religion's, our own and others ſakes; that by this carriage we may honour God, commend his Goſpel-Religion, and holy wayes, his eaſy, ſweet and pleaſant yoke and wayes: Matth. 11. ult. Prov. 3.17. encourage and ſtrengthen the hearts and hands of our Brethren; and convince the world of the Goodneſs; Pleaſantneſs and Profit of them, and perſwade them to fall in love with and imbrace them. You muſt ſo walk alſo, becauſe God hath inchurched you, and put you under his Ordinances, and promiſed to make you joyful, pleaſant and chearful: yea he charges and commands you to be and do ſo, Phil 3.1. Phil. 4.4. Pſal. 32. ult. Remember, and lay to heart, how many Cauſes & Objects you have to make you chearful, pleaſant and joyful. Therefore make uſe of them, for the enabling you to walk joyfully.
Queſt. What are the Evils, Sins and Temptations, that Church-members are Subject to? pray ſhew us them, that we may know and avoid them.
Anſw. Church-members are ſubject or lyable to many Evils, Sins and Temptations in their Church-ſtate. For Believers being formed up together in one body, profeſs to be one, and to be entirely concerned and included with and in one another, & ſo are ſaid to be one Lump; Gal. 5.9. and one Houſe or Temple. The Devil doth ſet on them the more furiouſly, and with greater ſtrength and diligence, that ſo he may wound and miſchief many with his fiery Darts together, and kill a whole Church by ſtabbing one or two Members thereof. For he knows that if he can tempt one to ſin openly and ſcandalouſly, he may thereby reproach the whole body, and put them to grief and ſhame. For a little Leaven, leavens the whole Lump, 1 Cor. 5.6. Gal. 5.9. Therefore, I ſay, he will be more buſy with Church-members, than with others in this matter: which ſhould greatly provoke them to arm the more carefully, watch the more diligently, and fight the more manfully, that they be not deluded and conquered by him, to the grief and ſhame of their Fellow-members. It is true, that Church-members have more helps and advantages againſt Sin and Temptation, than others have, as I have elſewhere ſhewed; and it is as true, that they ſhall be moſtly aſſaulted and tryed; and yet (if they will) they are and will be on the advantage ground againſt all theſe Evils: as they will find by experience, if they will mind their duty; I will name a few of the Evils they will be tempted to.
1. To take up and entertain evil Surmiſals of one another, 2 Cor. 12. 1 Tim. 6.4. They will be greatly tempted to keep groundleſs Jealouſies and Suſpicions one of another, which tends and leads to
2. Harſh and ſevere Cenſurings, and uncharitable Judgings one of another, which is a moſt hateful ſin in the ſight of God, and which is expreſly forbidden and condemned, Matth. 7.1, 2. Rom. 14.10, 13.
3. They will be tempted to Envy one another, which is one of the deviliſh ſins ſo often mentioned and condemned in the Scripture, and frequently forbidden, Gal. 5. ult. 2 Cor. 12.20. 1 Pet. 1.1. They will be tempted to be envious at that in their Brethren, for which they ought to thank God and rejoyce, Rom. 12.15. They muſt not envy the proſperity of the wicked, much leſs that of their Brethren, Pſal. 37.1. Enviers eyes are evil, becauſe God is good, Matth. 20.15. Luk. 15.25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. here you have the Pourtraiture and expreſs Image of Envy, and of an envious Perſon, what draws it forth, or what is the Object of their Envy.
4. They will be tempted to be proud and lifted up with their Church-ſtate, with the Priviledges and Dignity thereof: to think highly of themſelves, & vilely of others, Rom. 12.3. Phil. 2.3. They are very ſubject to be lifted up with their Gifts and Attainments, and to affect vainglory, as Paul ſpeaks; Gal. 5. ult. and to be too great in their own eyes: which is a moſt hateful, and pernitious Evil.
5. They will be tempted to Wrath, Strife, and Schiſms; to cauſe and raiſe Diviſions, Debates, Contentions and Diſputings: which is a real fruit of Pride, Prov. 13.10. 1 Tim. 6.4, 5. and very pernicious to the glory, welfare and comfort of the Church. And although this Evil be expreſly forbidden and greatly condemned, yet many Church-members can too boldly and confidently practiſe it, and pretend that they have reaſon or cauſe ſo to do: yea, and that they do well in it. But take heed and beware of it: and let ſuch know, that it is a moſt hateful and deviliſh Sin, and a moſt infectious Plaguefore, that will deſtroy the Authours and Practiſers of it, if not timely repented of.
6. They will be tempted to Formality, and taking up with the form of Godlineſs without the power thereof, 2 Tim. 3.5. To take up with, and ſettle themſelves on the Lees of Ordinances and external Duties and Enjoyments, with the neglect of the Heart, Soul, Life and Power of them; and heart-warming, heart-ſanctifying, and heart-teaching Communion with God. Oh! how many Church-members are there, who do indulge themſelves, comply with the natural Genius of their own hearts, and joyn iſſues with Satan in this matter? who eye not, nor look moſtly unto the Spirit, Chriſt, Grace and good of the means they uſe, nor bring their hearts and graces to God in them; but reſt and ſatisfy themſelves with a cold, ſapleſs, and lifeleſs form, or out-ſide of Religion; and therefore they do not, cannot thrive and proſper: but they wither and decay within, while they are in the Courts of God.
7. They will be tempted to the great ſin and evil, of Reproaching and Back-biting one another: to vilifie, defame and ſpeak evil one of another, and blaſt each others good Names and Reputations. This is another miſchievous and abominable Sin, which is found too rife and rampant amongſt them. It is a moſt pernicious Evil and prejudicial to Chriſt himſelf, his Goſpel, People, Wayes and Intereſts; and therefore Satan will ſtrive the more induſtriouſly to provoke them to do it; and therefore we ſhould be the more watchful againſt it, 2 Cor. 12.20. Jam. 4.11. Tit. 3.2. Eph. 4.31. 1 Pet. 2.1. God abhors this Tongue-ſin, this poyſonous Sword, and good-name-Murthering Abomination: he cannot bear to hear his Church-members to be biting and devouring one another, Gal. 5.15. yet are they prone and often tempted to it.
8. They will be tempted to ſlight, undervalue; yea, and to deſpiſe one another; eſpecially, ſuch as are poor and weak; they will be tempted to ſlight and diſeſteem ſuch as are high and honourable in God's account, and ſuch as he greatly values and eſteems. But take heed and beware of it; for it is a moſt God-provoking ſin. They are glorious in Gods thoughts, let them not be baſe in yours. Their names are pretious in Heaven, and let them be pretious to you.
9. They will be tempted to ſlight and undervalue their priviledges, and to diſregard their works and duties in the Church. At firſt they are much taken and affected with them, but after a while they do as much ſlight and diſeſteem them; neglect and diſregard them: and then they fall to omitting and neglecting them. Theſe are dear-bought priviledges and duties, and therefore ought to be highly accounted of and eſteemed.
10. And then it follows, that they will quarrel with their Teachers, or be much offended at them; ſlight and diſeſteem them, and be full of objections againſt them and their works. But you muſt take heed and beware of this evil likewiſe; for when you have forſaken God, and he hath left you, then you are tempted to diſlike your Teachers, but never till then. They are Chriſt's Embaſſadors, Jewels and Inſtruments of his glory, in the Churches and in the World, and they are near and dear to him: and therefore your ſin will be very great in ſlighting and diſeſteeming them.
12. They will be tempted to leave communion with the Church, and ramble about from place to place, which is a dangerous and pernicious evil, and tends directly to the breaking of the Churches, and deſtruction of all Church-order. Many love to change their Place, Works and Company; and ſeem to be better every, or any where, than in their own Place and Work.
13. They will be tempted to neglect their Church-duties one to another, and live as perſons alone, without having regard of, or reſpect unto one another as Brethren and Members of the ſame houſhold. And when they have entertained the Temptation into their minds, they will eaſily diſpenſe with total Omiſſions, and not be troubled at it, nor care what becomes of one another.
14. They will be tempted to draw nigh to God in Church-Ordinances, with worldly, vain and unprepared hearts. The Commoneſs of them, and their frequent uſe of them, together with the untunedneſs of their hearts, make them common things and matters to them: ſo as that they dare adventure on them with common frames of heart, which once they durſt not do: But now they can diſpenſe with it, as with ſome light matter.
15. They will be tempted to receive pernicious Doctrines, and to entertain evil Opinions, in, and about Religion. Many Church-members have been caught in theſe Nets, and taken in theſe Snares: not becauſe they were ſuch, but becauſe they walked not warily and circumſpectly in that ſtate and relation. For by being Church-members, they have had great advantages againſt them, and means to prevent their being enſnared, but that they improved them not, as they might have done, for their own ſecurity. They were not aware of him, who goes up and down in the Kingdom to ſow his Tares.
16. They will be tempted, when they have ſuckt in any poyſonous Doctrines, and entertained erronious Opinions, to help the Devil in ſowing them in the minds of others, and endeavour to leaven them with their new Leaven alſo. For being deluded and ſeduced themſelves, it is almoſt natural to them to ſeduce others likewiſe; as experience teſtifies.
17. They will be tempted to prejudice and injure each others Souls, in their occaſional Viſits, by entertaining one another with vain, frothy and heart-deadning Diſcourſes, inſtead of heart bettering Diſcourſes. They will be tempted to tempt one another to give and receive ſuch matter, as tends to the ſubverting and corrupting of each others Souls, drawing them away from God, and indiſpoſing them for their duties, rather than to edification and profit. And this is a moſt pernitious Evil, though little minded and conſidered: and it is an Evil that is much practiſed and countenanced amongſt Church-members. For they that have ſuch opportunities, which they ought to improve for the better and not for the worſe, are found improving them by their Tongues and Ears for the worſe and not for the better, which will coſt them very dear hereafter. Such carnal and vain Communications, as are frequently found among them, corrupt good Hearts, and Manners alſo.
18. They will be tempted to be ungrateful to God for his mercies to them, and to account their duty and priviledges, their heavy Yoke & Burdens, as the Iſraelites did their Deliverance from their Bondage in Egypt. They were diſpleaſed with God and Moſes for bringing them out of their houſe of Bondage, and it is to be feared that ſome Church-members now are diſpleaſed, becauſe they are brought into the Houſe of God: and they ſay in their hearts would God we had been wiſer, than to have joyned our ſelves to the Churches; as the Iſraelites ſaid, would God that we had dyed in Egypt. Take heed of this evil. We are ſo encumbred with Meetings, and Diſburſements, and with one thing and another, as that our condition is burdenſome unto us, is the language of ſome, as I have ground to think.
19. They will be tempted to ſtacken their zeal, care and diligence, to grow in grace and perfect holineſs, and to look after their gettings in the Churches and Ordinances of Chriſt. So that they will grow lukewarm, careleſs and indifferent, what becomes of their Souls: whether they thrive and proſper, or whether they do wither and decay: whether they partake of the fatneſs of God's houſe or no.
20. They will be tempted to make carnal Advantages to themſelves, of their Church-ſtate, and to aim at, and proſecute worldly Ends therein, more than ſpiritual, and to ſubordinate and make uſe of their work and duty there, to promote and ſerve a baſe worldly Intereſt.
21. They will be tempted to deſert their duty, and relinquiſh their Station and Priviledges in a trying time; and to conform to the world, for filthy Lucre's ſake, and to enjoy their outward Peace and Liberty. Many ſeem to be ſtrong and well ſettled in their faith, principles and practiſe before the Tempeſt blows in their faces; but when the Wind and Waves beat againſt them, they appear other kind of men. Therefore, let him that ſtandeth in a calm day, take heed that he fall not in a ſtormy night. Theſe are ſome of the Evils and Sins, that you will be tempted to in your Church-ſtate. Therefore conſider them, and make ſufficient and ſeaſonable proviſions againſt them: leſt they take you unawares, and overthrow you.
Obj. But ſome may ſay, if all theſe Evils and Dangers uttend Church-members, then it is better for us to keep out of it, and not be Church-members, that we may avoid them, and not expoſe our ſelves to Sin and Temptation therein.
Anſw. That ſuch Temptations will attend Church-members, is certain; but that therefore Believers ſhould keep out of a Church-ſtate, that I deny. For 1. It is your indiſpenſible duty, (as you have heard) to walk in Church-fellowſhip; and therefore you muſt do ſo: and it being your duty, you may be ſure it is the ſafeſt and the moſt ſecure way for you, to keep you from Sin and prevalent Temptations to it. For the way of our duty, is ever the ſureſt and ſafeſt way, as we all know.
2. What I have ſaid in this matter, is cautionary; not to affright any from their duty and priviledges; but to quicken and provoke Church-members to the more wiſe, watchful and exact walkings; to more Diligence and Faithfulneſs, in making proviſions againſt them, that they may be ready armed and fenced againſt them, to reſiſt and conquer them.
3. Although you may be more tempted to ſin in a Church-ſtate, yet you may ſin leſs therein than out of it. For you have heard already, that a true Church of Chriſt is inveſted with many priviledges and advantages againſt Sin, and Temptations to it: which if well uſed and improved by you, they will ſufficiently defend you, and ballance all the weights that may be put into the ballance of Temptations, and abundantly ſtore you with proviſions againſt them, were they a thouſand times as many more. For you have heard, that in a Church there is more of Chriſt, and of his Spirit and Grace for Believers, than out of ſuch a State and Relation. And therefore it is much better and ſafer being there, and walking with God therein, than to be elſewhere. Wherefore let all Church-members ſee that they walk circumſpectly, or (foreign) exactly, cautiouſly and accurately, Eph. 5.15. in their Church-ſtate and Relation. Mind and practiſe what you ſee (before) you are bound to do; and take heed that you ſo walk and demean your ſelves towards God, Men and your own Souls; that you carefully watch againſt and avoid all the aforeſaid Evils, and the Temptations that lead you to them. And to move and quicken you ſo to do, be pleaſed to conſider and lay to heart theſe few Conſiderations,
1. That in a Church-ſtate you have many obſervers. There are many eyes on you, and many that watch for your halting. The world knows that you have ſeparated from them upon the account of holineſs, and that by grace you are made better than they. They know that you pretend to ſingular things, and that you profeſs to be called out of the World, and from ſin to holineſs and ſingular Righteouſneſs, and that you left Communion with them on a Religious account. They underſtand that you pretend to more light and knowledge, to more communion with God, and to greater attainments and enjoyments than they do: and therefore expect to ſee better things from you, than from themſelves, and ſuch as they are. They will tell you, that to whom much is given, of them much is required, and that you are in your profeſſion, ſome of them. They will tell you, that they can no otherwiſe judge of you, than by your fruits, and if they be not ſuitable to your profeſſion and pretences, they will think you are but Hypocrites and painted Sepulchres. Be ſure that you have many, that mind and ſtrictly obſerve all your ſteps.
2. Your Lord and King expects ſingular and peculiar frames of hearts, words & deeds from you. He narrowly marks your ſteps, and obſerves your walkings, how you carry your ſelves towards one another, how you walk towards and before all men, and what your frames and Deportments are towards himſelf. For his eyes behold, and his eye-lids try the Children of men. Pſal. 11.4. You know, and he tells you, that he hath done great and ſpecial things for you; that he hath been at great expence of blood and treaſure on you; and all to make you a peculiar People unto himſelf. Tit. 2.14. He hath honoured and exalted you, and brought you nigh unto himſelf, and entruſted you with great Talents. He hath ſet you on high, and magnified you exceedingly in the ſight of all ſorts of men, and hath made you his golden Candleſticks, Rev. 2.1. and his living Witneſſes; and therefore he may well expect and require ſpecial carriages, and ſingular fruits from you. Oh! then do not diſappoint him of his ſo reaſonable expectations; but let the Lord Jeſus ſee in you the fruits of his labour and toyl, of his coſt and charge, and of his blood and travel. Let him find you good Stewards of his houſe, and houſhold-affairs, and meet to be truſted with more of his Treaſures.
3. Conſider, that your Brethren and Fellow-members, and eſpecially, your Teachers and Overſeers, do expect ſuch walkings, fruits and carriages from you. Your Teachers expect it, earneſtly deſire it, pray for it, and labour to make you ſuch. Your Fellow-members they alſo look for it, pray for it, and earneſtly deſire it: I mean ſuch of them as are holy ſpiritual perſons They, eſpecially your Teachers, do long, and are in travail for it; and they greatly rejoyce (indeed) to ſee you a holy, humble, wiſe, zealous, meek, diligent, faithful, loving, and a fruit-bearing people. They are exceedingly troubled to ſee their labour to be in vain with, and to you: Your non-proficiency, cold, worldly, and carnal walkings; your barrenneſs and unprofitableneſs; your want of love to God, your own ſouls, and to one another are great, very great, and heart-breaking afflictions to them. They mourn for, and are grieved at you, and your ways; becauſe you are not ſo ſerious, holy, exact, ſpiritual, zealous, loving, ſweet, meek humble, uſeful, wiſe, diligent and heavenly, as you might be, and your Church-ſtate, priviledges, enjoyments, and high profeſſions call for, and greatly oblige you to.
4. Conſider, that your own ſouls are greatly concerned in theſe things: If you walk in theſe ways, practiſe the aforeſaid duties, to obſerve theſe ſaid Ordinances of divine worſhip, and carefully watch againſt, and avoyd the ſaid evils and temptations to ſin, that your ſouls and bodys will reap the benefit and profit of all. You will have the peace, joy, ſatisfaction, ſweetneſs, and conſolation of your ſo doing. But if on the contrary, you be found negligent and careleſs of the holy will of God, and your duties, and diſobedient unto his holy Laws: If you ſlight and undervalue your great and invaluable priviledges and enjoyments, and make not ſpiritual earnings of them, but remain dead, cold, barren, and unfruitful under them; connive at, and indulge any of the ſaid Sins, or others like them, and dally with Temptations; you will certainly rue for it, and pull on your heads and hearts many evils, troubles, ſorrows, and diſquietments; many fears and diſtreſſes, incumberances and confuſions. You will drive God from you, cauſe him to ſhut up his loving Countenance from you in diſpleaſure, and to write bitter things againſt you. Your own ſouls are very much concerned in your exact, holy, diligent, faithful, and circumſpect walking with God in all his ways and Goſpel-precepts in your Church-ſtate. Therefore do you aim at, and ſeek their good, and do you ſo walk and carry your ſelves towards God and one another as to promote their happineſs.
5. Conſider, call to mind, and lay to heart the ends for which you joyned your ſelves to the Churches of Chriſt, as alſo the ſolemn profeſſion and engagement you then made to, and before God, Angels and Men. Remember, that they are all Witneſſes for you, to what you did, when you entred in among them, and took on you the ſerious, diligent, faithful, and conſtant obſervation of all the Laws and Ordinances of Jeſus Chriſt in them, when you took hold of his Covenant, owned the Lord Chriſt for your Head, King, and Law-giver, and promiſed to yield him all faithful ſubjection and obedience. For if you forget theſe things, neglect your duties, or walk contrary unto God; know for certain that he will remember all, and will teſtifie againſt you; yea, he will make your own Conſciences Witneſſes againſt you. Oh conſider! did you not joyn in Church-fellowſhip, that you might be enriched with Grace, be filled with the Spirit, built up in Goſpel-holineſs, and that you might perfect holineſs in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7.1. Ask your Hearts and Conſciences, did we not joyn our ſelves together in a holy band, and bind our ſelves to walk with God unto all well-pleaſing, in our Church-ſtate and Goſpel-relation one to another? ſurely we did. Well then, do we now (indeed) keep theſe things warm on our hearts, aim at, and proſecute them in good earneſt, or do we not? Did we not aim at, intend, and engage to get more Acquaintance and Communion with Chriſt, & more Acquaintance with our ſelves, and with the Laws, Waies and Promiſes of Jeſus Chriſt? and did we not intend and promiſe to obey him, wait on him, honour and glorifie him in and by our ſo doing? Did we not intend and aim at the profit of our own ſouls, the good of one another, and of all men, and that we might be made fruitful in every good work? Col. 1.10. Heb. 13.21. That Luſts might be mortified, Sin ſubdued, Grace magnified, and our Hearts cleanſed and purified?
6. Conſider and lay to heart the many and great encouragements you have to further you, to ſtrengthen your hands and animate your hearts to your duty, and ſo walking in your Church-fellowſhip. You have very many helps and inducement to encourage and quicken you ſo to do. Some are paſt, ſome are preſent in your hands, and ſome are yet to come. O remember, how great things the Lord hath done for you, that you might be his People, and walk as you have heard. When you were accurſed and condemned to everlaſting Deſtruction, 2 Theſ. 1. He redeemed you, He gave himſelf a Ranſom for you, took on him your ſins and puniſhment, your work and ſhame; your wrath and reproach, to take off the Sentence that was paſt on you, remove the Curſe from you, and bring you out of Priſon from the bondages in which you were, Iſa. 5.3. 2 Cor. 5. ult. Zach. 9.11. He became your Surety, took on him your Debts, was arreſted and caſt into Priſon, Iſa. 53. and paid the utmoſt farthing for you, and thereby obtained a general Releaſe for you. He found you in your blood, and then he waſhed you, Ezek. 16. and he found you miſerable, and pittyed you; He found you naked, and cloathed you; dead, and quickened you; ſick, and he healed you. He found you blind, and he enlightned you; fallen, and he lifted you up. You were weak, and he ſtrengthned you; in pain, and he eaſed you; ſorrowful, and he comforted you: When you were wandring out of the way of peace and happineſs, he ſought you out, and brought you back unto himſelf; he ſet your feet in the right way, and ſpake peace unto you. Ever ſince you were newborn, he hath ſuccoured, ſupported, ſupplied, and cared for you. He hath entruſted and enriched you with Goſpel mercies for your maintenance and comfortable ſubſiſtance. You have had, and ſtill have many of his choiſe Talents in your hand, and he never denyed you any good thing. But this is not all that you have to encourage you in the practiſe of holineſs; but you have many of his Bonds in your hands for your ſecurity, of what he will further be to you, and do for you. You have many Earneſts, Pawns, and Pledges of greater things that he will yet do for you. He hath engaged to you, that he will abide with you, and that he will never wholly leave or forſake you, Joh. 14.21.23. Heb. 13.5. That he will care for, and water you, protect, exalt, and honour you, Iſa. 27.3. Pſal. 37.34. and make you perfectly holy. That he will ſupply all your wants, Phil. 4.19. guide you by his Spirit, fill you full of joy and peace by believing; perfect the Marriage-Union, come again and receive you to himſelf, and inſtate you in eternal Glory.