A Gospel Church, Chapter 5
CHAP. V.
Shewing what Officers Chriſt hath appointed for, and given to his Goſpel-Churches; and what are their Offices and works in a Holy Temple of God.
7. QUeſt. What officers hath Jeſus Chriſt given to the Church?
Anſw. The Lord Jeſus hath (by his Sovereign Authority) given to his Church, Paſtors and Teachers, Ruling Elders and Deacons. All which Officers are inveſted with different power, and entruſted with different works in the Church. Now the Teaching-ruling Officers, have ſeveral names and appellations given them, according to the particular parts and branches of their work in the Church; As Paſtors, Teachers, Elders, Biſhops, Guides. All theſe names are given to the ſame Perſons and Officers in the Church. Sometimes they are called Paſtors and Teachers, Eph. 4.11. ſometimes Elders, 1 Tim. 5.17. 1 Pet. 5.1. ſometimes Biſhops or Overſeers, Act. 20.28. ſometimes Guides, Heb. 13.7, 17. and they are of the ſame ſort, order and degree; their work, office and power the ſame: for although they have different names in ſound, yet not of work, power and Authority in the Church. The perſons are the ſame, their office, power and authority the ſame, and their work the ſame. The Scripture doth no where give one ordinary teaching Officer more power and Authority than another, or ſet one ſort of Teaching Elders over another ſort, nor give them diſtinct and different work to do in the Church; but ſo, as that whatever power or work a Biſhop hath in the Church to exerciſe and do, the ſame hath an Elder or Paſtor alſo. Hath a Biſhop power and authority to command and Teach? ſo hath an Elder too; hath a Biſhop (I mean one of Chriſts making) the ordering of Church-matters, and managing the diſcipline thereof? ſo hath an Elder alſo, 1 Tim. 5.17. for they are the ſame.
Beſides Teaching Elders, the Lord Jeſus hath given and appointed meer ruling Elders to his Church alſo, for the well-being, peace and eſtabliſhment of the Church, and to aſſiſt and help the Teaching ruling Elders, in looking after & taking care of the concernments of the Church, called Helps, 1 Cor. 12.28. and they are expreſly called Ruling Elders, diſtinctly from the Teaching ruling Elders, 1 Tim 5.17. and Helps, Governments, in 1 Cor. 12.28. and in Rom. 12.8. it is ſaid, he that ruleth let him do it with diligence, and diſtinguiſheth them from Treaching, Miniſtring and exhorting Rulers, (for Teachers have the power of rule and diſcipline as well as the meer ruling Elders) in 7, 8. verſes. And the Apoſtle ſpeaks not there of different Offices in the ſame perſons (though that is a Truth) but of different perſons and Officers; for ſays he, let the Teachers wait on their Teaching, Miniſtring, and exhorting, that is, as it is their great and principal work, (as indeed it is) and therefore to eaſe them a little of the ruling part of their work, and that they may the more fixedly and chearfully attend unto, and perform that other part of their work, namely, to teach and Miniſter in the Church, the Lord Jeſus hath appointed ſome to attend only (ordinarily) to the work of ruling, to keep all in order in the Church; and therefore charges them to do it with diligence, Rom. 12.8. Beſides theſe, the Lord hath given Deacons to his Church alſo, Act. 6. 1 Tim. 3.8. to 14. verſ. and Phil. 1.1. for another kind of work, namely to attend Tables, to look after the poor, and provide for them; to diſpoſe of the Churches diſtributions and charity, for the profit of the whole, and relief of the poor of the Church.
8. Queſt. How ought Paſtors and Teachers to be qualified? or what is required unto their right conſtitution and officiating in the Church, as ſuch Officers?
Anſw. Firſt, They muſt be furniſhed with Miniſterial Gifts for their work; namely, ſuch as Chriſt promiſed, and aſcended up to Heaven to give unto men for the work of the Miniſtery, and which he received of the Father for them, even then, when he gave all things into his hand, Joh. 3.35. which are abſolutely neceſſary for all that take upon them the great work of the Miniſtry, and the care and charge of Souls, or to overſee and edifie the Body of Chriſt. Theſe Gifts are ſpiritual which they receive not from men, but from Chriſt their Lord, who ſends them as his Stewards into his houſhold, to give them meat in due ſeaſon, Matth. 24. as his ſervants into his vineyard to dreſſe, prune and order it, to keep and water it, for his uſe, that it may bring forth fruit to his Glory. And intending to imploy and make ſuch uſe of them there, he enriches all that he ſends with his own Miniſterial Gifts. Eph. 4.8, 10, 11, 12. When he aſcended up on high, he led Captivity Captive, and gave Gifts unto men. He that deſcended is the ſame alſo that aſcended up far above all Heavens, that he might fill all things. And he gave ſome Apoſtles, and ſome Paſtours and Teachers; for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Miniſtery, for the edifying of the body of Chriſt. Here is an account of his Gifts, and the perſon receiving them, and alſo the end for which. To the ſame purpoſe the Apoſtle ſpeaks in Rom. 12.6. and 1 Cor. 12. as you may read there at large, from the beginning to the end: Where you have an account of the ſeveral Gifts themſelves, which are called Spiritual, verſ. 1, 2. The Authour or immediate Doner of them, 7. as alſo the end of the Spirits giving them unto men, and the place where they ſhould be exerciſed and laid out, 7, 28. and in other verſes there. Theſe Miniſterial Gifts are not given to all Believers, becauſe they are not intended nor called to the work and Office of the Miniſtery in the Church, but they are intended and given to them, whom Jeſus Chriſt ſends into his Church, and enclines the Churches hearts to call and accept them, for their Officers and Miniſters.
Secondly, As they muſt be gifted with miniſterial Spiritual Gifts, ſo they muſt be graced alſo with ſpecial ſaving Grace, for the ſpiritual and evangelical diſcharge of their Miniſterial work in the Church; or elſe they will never be able Miniſters of the New Teſtament, although they may be of the Letter, 2 Cor. 3.6. They muſt be called out of darkneſſe, into the marvellous ſaving light of Chriſt, 1 Pet. 2.9. and be the Children of Light, Eph. 5.8. before they can hold forth indeed the light of the Goſpel and grace of Chriſt unto others. They muſt be firſt taught of God themſelves, before they can ſpiritually teach others; and be tutored in Chriſts School, before they will be wiſe Builders up of the Body of Chriſt, in the Myſteries of his Kingdome, Mark 4.11. They muſt firſt have the Spirit of God in their own hearts, to make them wiſe unto Salvation, before they can make others wiſe unto Salvation. They muſt not learn their Leſſons without, in mens or Gods Books, but they muſt alſo experience and be able to read the Goſpel within, that they preach to others. They muſt firſt learn, and be acquainted themſelves with and in the right way to Heaven, before they can be good Pilots and Guides of others thither. They muſt firſt be quickened and enlivened themſelves, by & with the Life of Jeſus, before they can claim a right to the Miniſtry of Chriſt in his Church, or hold forth and rightly communicate the word of Life to others. Many think that Grace is not neceſſary in a Miniſter, or for the Miniſtry, where are miniſterial Gifts, and (as they ſay) a blameleſſe converſation; but ſurely, the ſpecial Grace, and Spirit of Chriſt are the only neceſſary and uſeful things, (if I may ſo ſpeak) for the fitting and qualifying a Goſpel-Miniſter, a Church-Officer and Guide. But undoubtedly it is a miſtake; for how can they bring out of their Treaſury, things new and old, for the profit of men, if there be none laid in? A good man out of the good treaſure of the heart, bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treaſure, bringeth forth evil things, Matth. 12.35. And men cannot gather Grapes of Thornes, and figs of Thiſtles, Matth. 7.16. And what are Hypocrites, but ſuch? Are they not in darkneſſe, and doth not the Lord Jeſus call the Scribes and Phariſees, and Doctors of the Law, Fools and Blind, notwithſtanding their great Gifts? Are not all unregenerate and graceleſſe perſons, ravening Wolves, although covered with Sheeps-skins? and doth not Chriſt caution his Sheep againſt them, and charge them to take heed and beware of them? Mat. 7.15. And when Chriſt ſends forth labourers into his Vineyard, ſays he to them, I ſend you forth, as Sheep in the midſt of Wolves? Matth. 10.16 Chriſt doth not ſay, I ſend forth Wolves in Sheeps cloathing, to convert, nouriſh and build up my Sheep unto eternal life. Moreover, Miniſters muſt not only preach to men from the head (the ſubject of meer Gifts) but from their hearts alſo; from ſtrong affections, tender bowels of compaſſion, and ſincere Love to Souls; which they cannot do, until they are made new Creatures, holy and gracious men. For how can they love and pity others Souls, who have no love and pity for their own? and how can they affectionately perſwade men, who know not experimentally the terror of the Lord? 2 Cor. 5.11. How can ſuch open the Myſtery and ſpirituality of the Goſpel unto men, who were never taught it themſelves? and how can they ſo preach the Goſpel of Life, who are yet dead in Sins themſelves, as to enliven others? Therefore all the Miniſters that Jeſus Chriſt impowers and ſends into his Churches, in ſpecial love and mercy, he firſt graceth with his ſpecial light & life, joyns and unites them to himſelf, and puts ſome of his own Image, Nature, and qualities upon them, before he ſends them, or will be with them, and bleſſe them. Can or will ſuch take care of the Church of Chriſt as ſuch, to water and break the Bread of Life unto them, who take no care about their own Souls, nor care what becomes of them? And if Jeſus Chriſt will have none but real hearted Believers, and living Members of his Body, in his Churches, (as hath been ſhewed) then certainly he will not allow or approve of Graceleſſe, and unregenerate Guides and Overſeers in them; and if his Churches are holy Temples appointed for his preſence and reſidence, his Glory and delight, (as they are, as hath been ſhewed) then aſſuredly, he will not have carnal and unbelieving Stewards in them, to manage all the affairs and concernments of them? And if all his Laws and Ordinances, which he hath given to his Churches, be holy and ſpiritual, (as they are) and Church-Officers, (I mean the Paſtors and Elders) are to be his mouths to them, and the Churches mouths to him, and to adminiſter his holy and Spiritual matters and things in his Name, to his Glory and the Churches Spiritual profit; then ſurely, they ought to be holy and ſpiritual Men. For will he own ſuch for his Miniſters as have no acquaintance with him, or Relation to him; who have no peculiar love for him, nor dependance on him; who have not hearts to obey him, and make him the great end of their work; and who never received the Truth in the love of it into their own hearts? Will the holy and loving Head and Husband of his Church, ſet over them Chriſtleſſe, lifeleſſe, and graceleſſe men, (as all unregenerate perſons are) who neither fear or love him, or his Church ſincerely, to watch over them, and impart his ſecrets and counſels to them? ſurely no. And therefore they muſt be fitted and qualifyed with ſaving Graces, as well as Miniſterial Gifts, for office, power and work in the Church of Chriſt. I might argue this point very largely and copiouſly, did I intend a large diſcourſe, as I do not, but to uſe all poſſible brevity, in all things, I ſhall mention and preſent to conſideration, in the whole of the diſcourſe.
3. And therefore, Thirdly, they ſhould not only have, and be qualified with ſpiritual Gifts, and ſpecial Grace, but with the holy Ghoſt alſo. It is not ſuch Gifts and Grace, that will ſufficiently qualifie and enable men to diſcharge their miniſterial work in the Church, without the Spirit. They will not be willing, ready, nor apt to teach, without the Spirit, 1 Pet. 5.1, 2. 1 Tim. 3.2. Neither will they be able to divide the word aright, without the Spirit, 2 Tim. 2.15. And therefore hath Jeſus Chriſt promiſed to be with them in an eſpecial manner, in their Miniſterial work, (who are his Miniſters) Mat. 28.18, 20. Joh. 14.15, and 16. chapters. They muſt preach and pray by the Spirit; watch over, feed and water the Church by the Spirit, for their Gifts and Graces can do nothing in this matter, but by the Spirit. And therefore the holy Spirit is promiſed to help them; to teach, warm, ſtrengthen and quicken them: to comfort, lead and Guide them; and whenever Chriſt ſends any Shepherds into his Sheepfold, (in love and mercy) he ſends them, and they come there with the holy Ghoſt in their hearts. Look over Pauls Epiſtles to Timothy and Titus, and to the particular Churches, and you may find this Truth confirmed. Thus God promiſed his New Teſtament Churches long before they ſubſiſted, or had a being in the World, Jer. 3.15. And I will give you Paſtors according to mine own heart, which ſhall feed you with knowledge and underſtanding. It is the Spirit that makes men able Miniſters of the New Teſtament and Spirit, 2 Cor. 3.6. not created Grace and Gifts only. The Apoſtles ſpake the word of God, as the Spirit gave them utterance, Acts 2.4. and as they were moved (or carried forth) by the holy Ghoſt, 2 Pet. 1.21. A Temple of God, is built by the Spirit for the habitation of God, Eph. 2.21, 22. all the Laws and Ordinances of the Temple are given forth by the Spirit from Chriſt, Joh. 16.13, 14, 15. all the Grace and Gifts beſtowed on men, are by the Spirit; their Life, ſtrength and ſucceſſe is by and from the Spirit: their work and authority in the Church, is given them by the Spirit; and therefore the holy Spirit will accompany and abide with his own Miniſters there.
Fourthly, They muſt be qualified and adorned with ſingular Spirits, with excellent and choice Spirits and frames of Heart: they ſhould excel others in ſuch qualities and virtues as theſe. Firſt, they ſhould be ſingular and excelling in knowledge and Spiritual underſtanding, to diſcern the difference of things that differ, and to judge of Spiritual things Spiritually, 1 Cor. 2. They ſhould abound in heavenly wiſdome and prudence, in conformity to their Lord Chriſt. Secondly, They ſhould be eminent and ſingular in Goſpel ſimplicity and ſincerity too, 2 Cor. 1.12. 2 Cor. 2.17. Thirdly, They ſhould be eminent and ſingular in Humility; in all meekneſs, humbleneſs of mind and converſation, 1 Pet. 5.1.—6. Of all men in the world, they muſt not be proud and lofty in their hearts and carriages, but meek and lowly, Mat. 11.29. 2 Tim. 2 25. Fourthly, They muſt be eminent and ſingular in Gentleneſſe and peaceableneſſe; they muſt not brawl nor ſtrive, 2 Tim. 2.24. 1 Tim. 3.3. Fifthly, They muſt be eminent in Self-denial and curbing the Fleſh; keeping under carnal, worldly ſelf, and croſſing the deſires of the Fleſh and of the Mind, 1 Cor. 9. ult. Sixthly, They muſt be eminent and ſingular in patience and contentation, they muſt not be ſoon angry, or moved to paſſion and wrath, 1 Tim. 3. Seventhly, They muſt be eminent and ſingular in a ſober, ſerious, holy chearfulneſſe and ſweetneſſe, pleaſantneſſe and affability; they muſt not be of vain and frothy Spirits, nor of froward, ſullen, lumpiſh and ſad carriages and deportments: for theſe things are hateful in all Chriſtians, much more are they ſo in ſuch as are ſet in the Church, for lights and Examples to them. This is a part of that good behaviour, the Apoſtle ſays, they muſt be endued withal, 1 Tim. 3.2. Eightly, They muſt be eminent and ſingular in zeal and fervency alſo. For if private Chriſtians ſhould abound in it, Rom. 12.11. 2 Cor. 7.11. then much more ſhould the Miniſters of Chriſt, Tit. 2.14. Rev. 3.19. Ninthly, They muſt be eminent and ſingular in Love, pity and bowels of compaſſion to Souls; they muſt not be of hard and inſenſible Spirits, but full of tender earning bowels towards their flocks, Col. 3.12. 1 Pet. 3.8. Rom. 12.15. So was Jeſus Chriſt, and ſo was Paul towards all ſorts of men they had to do withall, (excepting obſtinate Sinners, who trampled pearles under their feet) and ſo muſt Miniſters be now. Be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, (ſays Paul) Eph. 4. ult. Tenthly, They muſt be eminent and ſingular in Heavenly mindedneſſe; they muſt not be covetous nor greedy after worldly things; which the Apoſtle calls filthy lucre, 1 Tim. 3.3. Tit. 1.7. 1 Pet. 5.2. They muſt declare as much as poſſible, that in the midſt of earthly enjoyments, they are heavenly minded, and live above them. They are holy men of God, and therefore muſt flee thoſe things, 1 Tim. 6.11. 2 Pet. 1. ult. and follow after heaverly. Eleventhly, They muſt be ſingular and eminent in gavity and ſolidity: they muſt not be vain, light and frothy talkers, and of fooliſh jeſting Spirits and carriages, but grave and ſerious, 1 Tim. 3. Twelfthly, They ſhould be apt to teach, ſet forward and entertain holy and profitable diſcourſes, as they have opportunity; which will not now be eaſily found, I fear, amongſt profeſſors. However, they ſhould be alwaies ready, apt and willing to do their duty, although others are not to do theirs, 1 Pet. 5.2. 1 Tim. 3.2. Eph. 4.29. Col. 4.6. Thirteenthly, They ſhould be well armed with Wiſdome, Faith and Patience, to endure and ſtand faſt againſt all oppoſitions and Temptations, and to bear up under all the great diſcouragements they may meet withall from friends and foes; for they will be tryed by both. Hence the Apoſtle charges Timothy, to follow after Faith and Patience, 1 Tim. 6.11. and in 1 Tim. 4.12. ſays he, be thou an Example to the Believers, in Faith, &c. Therefore they ſhould come to their work well armed and fenced with Faith and Patience: for it will be tryed to the utmoſt, as ſad experience ſhews. Fourteently, They ſhould be eminent and ſingular in ſetting up high and noble ends in their eies and hearts, in their office and work in the Church. The great motives, aims and ends of their hearts and Souls, ſhould be to pleaſe and honour Jeſus Chriſt, their Lord and Maſter, and to edifie and profit his Church, Acts 20. Theſe are ſome of the neceſſary qualifications, that all Paſtors of Churches ſhould bring with them, and labour to grow and encreaſe in them, when they are there.
Fifthly, They muſt be qualified with holy and blameleſſe converſations and carriages alſo: Theſe are in part deſcribed in the 1 Tim. 3. Tit. 1. and elſewhere in the Epiſtles of Paul to Timothy and Titus; in the Acts, and other Scriptures. And it muſt needs be ſo, namely, that they be ſingular in all manner of holy converſation and Godlyneſſe, 1 Tim. 4.7. But exerciſe thy ſelf unto Godlineſſe; for they are appointed and ſet in the Church to be their Lights and Guides, to be Examples to Believers, and all men, 1 Tim. 4.12. Mat. 5.16. 1 Pet. 5.3, &c. They will by blamable walkings, more diſhonour Jeſus Chriſt and his Goſpel; more grieve and afflict the hearts of good Men; ſcandalize and harden the hearts of evil men, than a hundred times as many private Chriſtians, and pull great reproach and comtempt upon the Miniſtry of Chriſt in his Churches. They are more eyed and obſerved, and are nearer Jeſus Chriſt than others are, and greater things are expected from them than from others. Therefore they ſhould ſhine forth in all Grace, and be found (though not without their failings) in the practice of every good Work, as men, Chriſtians and Miniſters of Chriſt. It is not enough for them that they be not ſuch and ſuch negative profeſſors, but they muſt be ſuch, and ſo in practical holyneſſe. They muſt not only abſtain from that which is evil and forbidden, but they muſt do that which is good and commended; otherwiſe they cannot be blameleſſe. But if they are indeed of ſuch Spirits (as aforeſaid) they will be of holy and blameleſſe converſations, and walk as Goſpel, real, true Lights & Guides before all: but if they want theſe heart and internal qualifications, they will not long (if at all) be blameleſſe walkers. If they are of proud, peeviſh, croſs and fretful; of ſowre, angry and wrathful Tempers and carriages, they are not blameleſſe. If they are of hot, teſty, fiery, raſh and quarrelſome Tempers and Carriages, they are not blameleſſe. If they are Back biters and Defamers of men, or Hearers and Receivers of evil reports againſt good men, they are not blameleſſe. If they are coveteous worldly perſons in their words and deeds, they are not blameleſſe. If they are exceſſive in their cloaths, houſes, eating or drinking, they are not blameleſſe. If they are cenſorious and raſh Judges of others, they are not blameleſſe. If they are cheaters or detainers of others dues from them, they are not blameleſſe. If they are vain and light perſons, and given much to frothy idle talk and jeſtings, or to Idleneſs, they are not blameleſſe. If they are careleſſe of, and negligent in relative duties, and the worſhip of God in their families, they are not blameleſſe. If they are not diligent in their callings, and works, but are addicted to walk abroad, ſleep, or otherwaies ſpend away their pretious time, vainly, and unprofitably, they are not blameleſſe. I might inſtance in many more, but that I ſtudy brevity, as well as Truth. The Miniſters of Chriſt muſt not only be free from the practice of ſuch and ſuch Sins, but they muſt be eminent and ſingular in the practice of all duties incumbent on them, towards God and men alſo, (unavoidably infirmities excepted.)
Sixthly, They muſt alſo have, and be endued with natural Gifts, as ability of body, and the Gift of utterance. For although a man may have a great ſtock of Graces, Gifts, and Truths laid up in his head and Heart, yet if he want abilities of Body or ſpeech to utter, & plainly declare them unto others, how can he profit the Church, or miniſter to their edification? (which is the great end of thoſe Gifts, &c. and the Miniſtry.) Therefore they muſt not be only qualified within, but without alſo; they muſt be able to ſpeak as they ought, Eph. 6.20. as well as to judge as they ought to judge of, and underſtand divine matters.
Sevently, They muſt be ſound in the Faith too, For if they be leavened with corrupt Doctrine, and their Faith and Judgments tainted with it, they may eaſily corrupt and leaven the Church of Chriſt, by ſowing ſuch Tares and ſtinking Weeds, as all the men in the world will never be able to pull out again. A little leaven, (of corrupt Doctrine) leavens the whole Lump, Gal. 5.9. And when once falſe doctrines are got into the Head, they will quickly defile and corrupt the whole heart and converſation. And therefore to prevent ſuch evils in the Churches, the Apoſtles laboured exceedingly with the Churches, and aſſoon as they perceived any Tares of corrupt doctrine ſown in the Churches, they preſently endeavoured the pulling of them up, and weeding of them out, either by preaching or writing. And Paul charged Titus to ſee that Teachers were ſound in the Faith and Doctrines of the Goſpel, Tit. 1.9.13. and that they ſpeak ſound Doctrines, chap. 2.1, 2. that they were of ſound Minds, 2 Tim. 1.7. and alſo, that they hold faſt the form of ſound Words, verſ. 13. and alſo wiſhes all corrupt and unſound Teachers cut off, Gal. 5.12. Therefore they muſt not be erroneous in their Faith and Judgments, but ſound in the Faith of the Goſpel, that are (together with the aforeſaid particulars) rightly qualified Miniſters of Chriſt. And you may be ſure, that Jeſus Chriſt hath more care of, and reſpect unto his Name, Goſpel, and Churches, which he hath purchaſed with his Blood, than to ſet over them erroneous and corrupt Teachers.
Eighthly, Humane learning is not to be ſlighted and deſp ſed in a Miniſter, (as it is too much by ſome, who know not the good of it) for although the Word and Spirit of God can ſufficiently prepare & qualifie a man for the Miniſtry without it, yet experience ſhews, that it is ſingularly uſeful to holy men, in their Miniſterial Work. It helps to make them more able men, though not Chriſtians: it is uſefull to their heads (who know how to uſe it) if not to their Hearts: it is a good ſervant to wait on Divinity, though a bad maſter when it is exalted above it, (as to many ſhamefully and ſinfully do.) It is well know, that we come to the knowledge of the Spirit and myſtery of divine Truths, by the letter wherein it is held forth; and we come to underſtand the mind and intention of a Superior, by the words he ſpeaks to us: ſo that if we underſtand not his words, we cannot know his mind and will, or what he would have us believe, do, or receive. And is it not the ſame with reſpect to the Word of God? how can we know his mind and will concerning us, but by his Word? and how by his Word or Words, except we underſtand their ſenſe, meaning and ſignification, what they do import and hold forth to us? and can any deny but that humane learning is uſeful towards the helping of our underſtandings to find out the ſenſe, meaning and intended deſign of them? It is in vain to ſay, that the holy Spirit will do that well enough without humane learning: for did the holy Spirit ever teach an Engliſh man to underſtand Hebrew or Greek, (the Tongues wherein the Scriptures of God were written) without humane help? or can an Engliſh man becauſe he underſtands Engliſh, therefore underſtand the Scriptures in theſe Tongues? what if the moſt of men that are learned do abuſe it? ſhall it therefore be deſpiſed? will any wiſe man deſpiſe wine, that good creature of God, becauſe men abuſe it? and ſhall we deſpiſe humane learning, that good Creature of God, becauſe it is abuſed? It is given to help and perfect men, and may be exceedingly uſefull to them in publique ſervice for God and his Church, as well as for a State or Commonwealth; and ſuch as are greatned and lifted up in their own conceit, ſlight and deſpiſe others who are not as learned as themſelves, (as they ſuppoſe) do thereby divert it from its real uſe and end, turn it into ſin and ſhame, and abuſe it as much as drunkards do good wine, and they ſhall at laſt rue for it. But what then? ſhall learning be ſlighted and deſpiſed? God forbid. How ſhould we have known the Scriptures, had there not been learned men to tranſlate them into our native Language? ſurely you that deſpiſe humane learning, ſhould-rather bleſſe God all your daies, that he was pleaſed to give it unto men for your good, and for the propagation of his Goſpel. And I ſay further, that if humane learning be deſirable and uſefull unto men, then it cannot be prejudicial, but very helpful unto the Miniſters of the Goſpel: for I think, that they will and may make as bleſſed and holy improvements of it, as other men can do. I find (indeed) no ſmall error on both hands; the unlearned in contemning and deſpiſing it, as a vain uſeleſſe thing, eſpecially in a Miniſter of the Goſpel; and the learned in magnifying it above the skies, ſetting it on the Throne, and the holy Spirit, and grace at the foot-ſtool; diſdaining and contemning the unlearned, and making it one of the moſt abſolutely neceſſary qualifications of a Miniſter of the Goſpel, when indeed, the Scripture doth not: Which with other abuſes of it, by ſome, hath brought it under Reproach. But yet I ſay ſtill, the fault is not in humane learning, but in the men that abuſe it: And therefore let it be loved, uſed and reſpected in its place. Let thoſe that have it ſee they uſe it well, and carry themſelves more humbly with it, towards others; and thoſe that have it not, forbear ſpeaking evilly and reproachfully of that which they underſtand not.
Ninthly, They muſt be qualified with ſatisfaction in their own hearts and conſciences, that they are moved by, and called of God to take upon them the work of the Miniſtry, and that in ſuch a place; that they may go forth and enter upon it in Faith, hope and obedience, as they ought to do. Without this, all the reſt of the aforeſaid qualifications will not ſerve the turn; except they can probably conclude upon ſufficient Grounds that they hear their Lord ſaying (as it were) unto them, Go you into ſuch a vineyard and work; lay out and improve my Talents there, in ſuch a place, with ſuch a People. Which ſaid ſatisfaction, will be the reſult of many ſighs, tears and cries; for ſo great a mercy will not be gotten (ordinarily) upon eaſier Terms, Act. 13.2, 3. For it is certain, that men may run before they are ſent of God, Jer. 23.21. and it may be with a good intention too, as Saul ſeemed to have in offering Sacrifice, 1 Sam. 14. and Ʋzzah in medling with the Ark, as he did, 2 Sam. 6. and men may judge them meet and ready for the work; yea call and give them importunate invitations to it, and yet God may not ſend them, nor bid them go. I think, that they may have the loud, ſtrong calls of men, to miniſter to them, when God is not in it. Now it is probable, that there are ſome men, who are endowed with excellent Miniſterial Gifts; who mind and concern themſelves moſtly, if not altogether with their external call from men, and do not once ſeriouſly conſider, nor ask the queſtion, if God ſay ſo too, or no; but away they go, without the internal call or motion of the Spirit. And truely theſe are likely to ſucceed accordingly. I fear that God will ſav to them as in Jer. 23.32. They ſhall not profit this People. They are gone before and without the Lord, and follow the voice of men and their own natural Genius, being drawn by ſome worldly allurements, but they ſhall not proſper, unleſſe they repent of their diſorderly walking. David would not go and poſſeſs the Kingdom of Iſrael, until he had asked it, and received anſwer from God, that he ſhould, 2 Sam. 2. and when God bid him go, he would firſt know where he ſhould go, before he durſt adventure to go to Hebron; although he was long before anointed King, and he had a great multitude of the Iſraelites with him, that doubtleſs had ſtrongly invited him to the Government; yet he could not go and take it upon him, until God ſent him, and bid him go. (2) There are others, who do wait for a call from God, to go forth to the work, but hang in doubt whether they ſhould go, or whether God hath anſwered them, and theſe go forth uncomfortably and in part unwillingly. They are loath to tarry Gods time for a clear and ſatisfactory anſwer, and ſo go on with many doubts, fears and ſcruples of conſcience: there being a war and conteſt in their hearts, between ſhall I, or ſhall I not: Whereas if they would pray importunately, and wait patiently the Lords time to anſwer, and ſatisfy them, they might go forth in peace with the bleſſings and preſence of God. (3) There are ſome, who faſt, pray, and cry, wait and watch for Anſwers, and will not ſtir until they have an Anſwer of peace and ſatisfaction from God; (as Paul and David) and then they ſet forward with all poſſible chearfullneſs, hope and confidence: and theſe are the perſons that ſhall finiſh the courſe of their Miniſtry with Joy, and proſper in their work; Act. 20.24. that will do it with Joy and not with Grief, Heb. 13.17. certainly, this qualification is abſolutely neceſſary, namely, that they have a good meaſure of aſſurance, that God hath called and ſent them into his Vineyard, to work there, as his Stewards and Miniſters. For how can they preach as his Miniſters, except they know that they are ſent by him, & have his Authority impowring them? Rom. 10, 15. the ſervants ſtood and waited for a miſſion from their Lord, and would not go, until they had it, Matth. 20. And there are many Reaſons for it; I will but name a few. (1) Becauſe the work they have to do, is the Lords, not their own: and what have they to do to medle with it, until their Lord calls & ſends them? otherwiſe he may ſay unto them, friends, what do you here in my Vineyard about my work and concernments? did I call or ſend you hither, or rather did you not come upon your own will and pleaſure? (2) Becauſe the Churches in which they work, are the Lords: and he will have his own appointed and deſigned ſervants in his own families and houſholds, and none elſe, he alots and appoints the ſeveral works of his ſervants and the places where they ſhall work, and leaves it not to their own wills & choice, but as directed and guided, moved and carried forth by him. As God ſent Paul to the Gentiles, and Peter to the Jews, ſo doth God now ſend ſuch a man to ſuch a Church, and another to another Church, to adminiſter there, and if the great Lord and Maſter ſhould find ſuch a Servant here, as he did intend for an other place, how will he anſwer his being out of his own place? (3) Becauſe their going forth and labouring in the Vineyard, muſt be obediential Acts. They muſt do it, not becauſe it is their own will and choice, but the Lords, and that in obedience unto him. And how can they do that, except they have ſome good aſſurance that the Lord hath ſent and called them? How can they obey the voice of the Lord, when they are not well ſatisfied, that they have heard and felt the Lord ſpeaking to their hearts, in anſwer unto prayers? (4) Becauſe they muſt go forth and labour, in dependence on, and expectation of him; to be with them: to help and aſſiſt them; to bleſſe and proſper them, to crown and ſucceed their endeavours, and to provide for them. Now, how can they do ſo, unleſſe they know that God hath ſent and imployed them in his work? (5) They muſt go forth and labour, in hope and expectation of divine acceptance, alſo. For God hath promiſed to accept the commanded work and ſervice of his people, in obedience to his holy will. Therefore they muſt know that they are doing of, or about to do their Lords work, when, and where he would have them. (6) Becauſe they are promiſed a reward; and they ought to believe and look for it, onelyonly in the way of their duty, and no where elſe. And how can any expect a reward for doing that, which for ought they know, is not their duty, at ſuch a time, in ſuch a place, in ſuch a way? (7) Becauſe they ought to bleſſe, thank and praiſe God for imploying them in his ſo great work and ſervice, 1 Tim. 1.12. which they cannot do unleſſe they are ſufficiently ſatisfied, of the Lords calling them to it.
Tenthly. As they ſhould be ſatisfied in their own Souls, of the Lords calling and ſending them into his Vineyard, ſo the Church to which they are ſent ſhould be ſatisfied of the ſame likewiſe; and they ſhould find great and real acceptance in each others hearts. The Church ſhould own and receive them, as ſent by, and from Jeſus Chriſt unto them, to do his work, and adminiſter his holy Laws and Ordinances to them; and that as great and promiſed mercies and bleſſings for their good. Their union, communion and Spiritual Relation, muſt be founded in Love and ſtrong affections one to another, and grounded upon real ſatisfaction in, and cordial acceptance one of an another, as married together by Jeſus Chriſt; and ſo make one intire body, and Temple. Theſe are no light and inſignificant matters, but very great and weighty (matters) indeed: They put themſelves into each others hands, and become one anothers in the Lord; in which ſtate and condition they muſt abide, and live together, until the Lord ſhall ſeparate them by ſome extraordinary providence. For till then, they cannot part one from another, nor leave each other, no not with mutual conſents, at their own will and pleaſure; becauſe they were joyned together by the will of God, as the chief and principal doer of it; and therefore no lower will and power can diſſolve the knot, then that which at firſt did knit it. Theſe Miniſters muſt go and take up with the Church, as ſent to them by Jeſus Chriſt, and the Church muſt own and receive them as Chriſts choice and gracious gift unto them. And therefore they ſhould be fully ſatisfied in each other, and find deep real Love. cordial acceptance and room in one anothers hearts: reſolving to live, walk and continue together, in Love and Faithfulneſs, and in the conſtant practice of all duties to God and one another, before they do unite and engage together in a Church-Relation. For if they do not become one Holy Church and Communion, upon the account of Jeſus Chriſt his joyning them, or calling them to own, accept and chuſe one another in that Relation: If they be not congregated and united together, by, and upon the principle of Goſpel-Love and Affection; and if they enter not into, and continue in that ſtate and Relation, Union and Communion together, in purſuance of the will and call of Chriſt, and in obedience to his command, they are never likely to continue long together in peace and comfort; to have God dwell in, and walk with them, or to thrive and proſper. They may be able to make a comfortable Judgment of the Lords calling and joyning them together in love and mercy, thus; or by theſe things. Firſt, if the Glory of the Lord Jeſus & their own Spiritual profit and edification, lay deep in their hearts, and are their great and only ends in their uniting and joyning together. 2. If they have unfainedly and importunately asked counſel and conduct of God: committed the whole to his choice, and diſpoſal, to make up, or hinder the match between them, as he pleaſed: and did indeed reſign up their wills and concernments, wholly unto his Wiſdome and Sovereign pleaſure, to order, and determine them and for them, as he ſhould think fit, in order to the ſaid ends: and in their Prayers together and apart, have ſtood in an even ballance, waiting and expecting what the Lord would ſay and do in the caſe, to and for them. 3. And if after they have ſo done they find their hearts more and more enclined and knit one to another, (though ſtill with a free and holy ſubmiſſion to the Will of God) and they find providence working for them without, by removeing obſtructions, and making the way plain for them: I think they may comfortably conclude that God hath ſent and called them to joyn themſelves together, and become a holy Temple in the Lord. For when all theſe things do concurr and fall in (as it were) together; undoubtedly it is of God, and by his ſpecial ordering and direction. It was God, that ſet up thoſe holy ends and deſigns in their hearts. It was God that ſtirred up and moved their hearts ſo to pray and wait, Pſal. 10.17. Rom. 8.26.27. or they could never have ſo done it. It was God, that enabled them to lie down and ſubmit their wills and judgments, to his. It was God that enclined their hearts to one another, and that knit them together in Love, ſo as to chuſe and accept of each other in that holy Relation: and it was God that made their way plain before them. And now what hinders, why they ſhould not freely unite and joyn together in the Lord, and walk together as heirs of the Kingdome?
Eleventhly, All things and matters, in order to their Union and Communion together, and becoming a houſe or Church of God; and walking together as Officers and Members, in that State and Relation, being thus prepared and made ready for it: They ſhould now appoint and mutually agree to ſet apart a day to perfect and compleat what is ſo well begun. And firſt they ſhould call in the help and aſſiſtance of ſome other Church or Churches, eſpecially the Elders of them (if they can), that they may ſee, and be ſatisfied of their proceedings, and give them the right hand of fellowſhip, Gal. 2.9. and aſſiſt them in the ſolemn ſetting apart of their Elders, and help them with their Prayers. 2. They ſhould ſeek the Lord by faſting and prayer, and entreat him in an extraordinary manner, to be with them; guide and direct them; bleſs and proſper them, in their proceedures: and in an eſpecial manner for the Elder, or Elders they are about to chuſe, and (in the Lord) to ſet over themſelves, to feed them, and take the overſight of them: That God would give them a double portion of his Spirit, and furniſh them more abundantly with his gifts, and ſpecial grace, and make them able Miniſters of the New-Teſtament. That God would knit their hearts ſo faſt together in the bond of love, as that they may for ever live together in hearty love and peace; and that they may freely, conſtantly, and chearfully perform their reſpective duties to one another, according to the will of Chriſt. And this being done, they ſhould now proceed to chuſe and ſet apart their Elders. I mean the Church ſhould appoint one of their Brethren, to expreſs and declare that they have, and now in a more ſolemn manner, do elect and chuſe out ſuch a perſon or perſons from among themſelves, Acts 6. to be their Elders and Teachers, to rule, ſeed, watch over, and Miniſter to them in the name of the Lord, as perſons fitted and ſent to them by Jeſus Chriſt, for that end and purpoſe, (as they humbly judge); and further they may declare, that they do thankfully and cordially receive and accept them for their Elders, as the gift of Chriſt unto them, for thoſe ends and ſervices. And when the ſaid Elders are thus choſen and ſet apart, (as alſo ordained) then they may declare their hearty acceptance of the choice, and of the Church as their charge. And for their mutual ſatisfaction, and ſtrengthning their hope and expectation of, and confidence in each other, as alſo for the faſter knitting the Church and Elders together, I think it convenient (if not neceſſary) that they do mutually promiſe and covenant to one another, before God and men, that they will really and unfeignedly perform their reſpective works and duties one to another: Namely, ſuch as Jeſus Chriſt requires of them, according as he requires. And when theſe things are done, it may be convenient that the Officers or Meſſengers of other Churches, that are preſent, do declare that they approve of what is done by them, and own them as a Church of Chriſt, and their Elders, now ſet over them, as the Elders and Officers of Chriſt. Now, that the Church Congregated by the will of God, have power to chuſe and approve of all the Officers that Jeſus Chriſt hath given them, hath been ſhewed before, and therefore I ſhall ſay nothing of it here, but proceed.
Queſt. What is the work of Paſtors, Teachers or Elders, in a Church of Christ; or for what ends and purpoſes hath Chriſt ſet them there?
Anſw. Firſt, Their work is, and they are ſet in the Church by Jeſus Chriſt to Preach his word, and to open and make known his mind and will unto them; and as they have opportunity and ability, to reveal the whole Counſel of God, Acts. 20.27, 28. They are to Preach the word of God; not their own or others fancies and conceits, and that diligently, ſincerely, frequently and faithfully, 1 Pet. 2.2. 2 Cor. 2.17. Prov. 27.23. Acts. 18.25. Math. 24.45. This they muſt do in ſeaſon and out of ſeaſon, 2 Tim. 4.2. They are to feed Babes, with Milk; and men, or grown Chriſtians, with ſtrong Meat, Heb. 5.12, 13, 14. 1 Cor. 3.1, 2. That is, to Adminiſter and apply ſuitable and proper Truths to them, according to their capacities and conditions. They muſt earneſtly beſeech and entreat, as they ſee occaſion, 2 Cor. 5.20. 2 Cor. 6.1: Reprove and rebuke Tranſgreſſors, with all Authority, 2 Tim. 4.2. Tit. 2. ult. They are to comfort the feeble-minded, and ſupport the weak, 1 Theſ. 5. They muſt ſtudy the Word, and their Churches Souls, caſes and conditions, that they may rightly divide and preſent unto them ſeaſonable food and phyſick, cordials and corriſives; for they will need all, 2 Tim. 2.15. and thereby make full proof of their Miniſtry, 2 Tim. 4.5. This they muſt do publickly, and privately, as they have opportunity and ability, and that with all poſſible patience, wiſdom and meekneſs, 2 Tim. 2. ult.
Secondly, As they muſt ſo attend to their Preaching work in the Church, ſo likewiſe to their ruling work. They have the Office, power of Preaching, and ruling from Chriſt, (not from the Church, or any other perſons whatſoever; for they only elect, call, and ſet them apart to the exerciſe of that Power and Authority that Jeſus Chriſt hath given them) all which they are to exerciſe and make uſe of in the Church, for their ſpiritual benefit, and the glory of Chriſt. That they have the power of rule, as well as of labouring in the word and Doctrine, is clear, 1 Tim. 5.17. Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour: eſpecially, they, (namely, ſuch as have the ruling power alſo) who labour in the word and Doctrine. Which ſaid ruling power conſiſts, in requiring attention; in charging, commanding, appointing, rebukeing and reproving: in calling together the Church, and diſmiſſing them: in requiring ſpeech and ſilence, in ordering and diſpoſing of matters in the Church; in an authoritative way, examining matters, and calling perſons to an account, and in admitting Members, and executing the Laws of Chriſt on offenders in the Church, &c. 1 Tim. 4.11. 2 Tim. 4.2. Titus 1.13. Tit. 2.15. Math. 24.45. To this part of their work, office, and power they muſt attend; in the wiſe, ſeaſonable exerciſe of it, as occaſion is, or may be offered: without this authority of ruling (from Chriſt), they will be but lame Miniſters, and never able to carry on their Miniſtry, to the glory of Chriſt, and the profit of the Church. And if they have not power to, and do not exerciſe the Authority, and execute the Laws of Chriſt; to ſee too, and require orderly walking of all the Members, and Authoritatively to deal with Offenders and Tranſgreſſors of his Laws; who hath power, or can do it? A Church of Believers, (as hath been ſhewed) is a Family, a Corporation, and houſhold of God; and it is known to all men, that all Families, and incorporated bodies of men, do, or ought to live under, and ſubmit unto the Laws, Orders, and Diſcipline of thoſe Families, and Corporations whereunto they belong: and in order thereunto, they have ſuch among them, as have power and Authority to exerciſe Diſcipline, and execute Laws; to Command, Order and Appoint, what, where, when, and how matters and things ſhall be done amongſt them, for the good of the whole. I think that the Diſcipline of a Family, or Church of God, ought moſt carefully to be attended too, and practiſed; and who ſhall exerciſe it, but his Miniſters and Overſeers? Act. 20.17, 28. It is true, that Chriſt hath ſet in his Church alſo, another ſort of Rulers, which I think are ſaid to be helps, to which Governments is joyned, 1 Cor. 12.28. (foreign) That is, (as I judge), God hath chiefly entruſted the ruling power in the Church, in the hands of his Teaching Elders, and impowered others, to help and aſſiſt them; namely, ſuch as are called Ruling Elders, in 1 Tim. 5.17. For they have need enough of ſuch helps, in their well governing a Church of Chriſt. (Of which more afterward): This is another part or parcel of Teaching-Elders work.
Thirdly, Their work is to Watch; I ſay to watch over the Church. They are the Churches Watchmen, to take the overſight of them, and to make inſpection into them, Acts 20.17, 28, 31. 2 Tim. 4.5. 1 Pet 5.2. They are to watch the Wolves and Devil, that would come amongſt them to ſow falſe Doctrines, and Diviſions, to the breaking of their Peace, and ſpoiling their Communion, and that would corrupt their faith and leaven their judgments: and drive them away from the Sheep-fold, Acts. 20.29, 30, 31. Tit. 1.10, 11, 12, 13. They muſt alſo watch their walkings and converſations, and ſee if they are ſuch, as becomes the Goſpel of Chriſt, Phil. 1.27. or whether they be reprovable and ſcandalous: ſo alſo, if they keep to, and practiſe their ſeveral duties to God, and one another, or neglect them; that they may from Chriſt encourage the obedient, and rebuke the negligent, 1 Theſ. 5.14. They muſt alſo watch and make inſpection into the ſtate and condition of their Souls, and ſee how matters go, or ſtand with them, that they may know how to adminiſter Remedies to them, as their caſes do require. They ſhould enquire into their growth or decayes in grace, whether the word & Ordinances of Chriſt do profit or diſprofit them; & as much as poſſible, they ſhould know what uſe and improvement they make of their Goſpel-mercies: as alſo their Tryals and Temptations, their faith and judgments, whether they continue found and ſincere. The Elders of a Church of Chriſt muſt not only carry about the names of watchmen, but they muſt do, and attend with diligence, the real and full work of watchmen: they are ſet by him upon his walls, to watch and inſpect his Church: which indeed, is no eaſie work, but full of care, trouble, pains and difficulty. And therefore 'tis no wonder the Apoſtle ſays, who is ſufficient for theſe things? for they are to take care of all the ſpiritual and ſoul-concernments, of the whole Church.
Fourthly, They are to endeavour the preſervation of all the Truths and Ordinances of Jeſus Chriſt amongſt them, and to maintain them, in their power and purity in the Church. When they know any truth, or matter of faith, or practice, doubted of, or called into queſtion by any in the Church; they muſt with all poſſible care, wiſdom, faithfulneſs and diligence, endeavour the removal of the doubts and queſtions, maintain the Truths, and eſtabliſh all the Members of the Church in them: for ſhould the errours at any time ſowen among them, be let alone, and ſuffered to take Root in their heads, they will eat into the heart like a Canker, or (foreign) Cancer, or Gangrene. To prevent which, the Apoſtle charges Timothy, and Titus, and all Elders of Churches (in them) to hold faſt the form of ſound words, 2 Tim. 1.13. And to hold faſt the faithful word, Tit. 1.9. That by ſound Doctrine they may convince Gainſayers. And this was alwayes Paul's care and practice; (as was ſhewed) either to prevent the corrupting of Truth, and mens Souls with errours, or to overthrow and root them up, where they were entertained: Thus the Miniſters of Chriſt ought to do now, and that for Chriſt, his Truths, and Churches ſakes.
Fifthly, They muſt adminiſter all Church-Ordinances, with all poſſible diligence, care, zeal and faithfulneſs. It is their work and place to do it, and therefore they muſt not be careleſs or negligent; but watch, ſeek for and obſerve all opportunities for the doing of it: that the Church ſuffer no detriment by their neglects, which they will quickly do, if neglected, as experience ſhews. They muſt not only care to Preach well, but to adminiſter all other Appointments of Chriſt alſo, in their ſeaſons; for all the Ordinances of Jeſus Chriſt, are the Churches food and proviſions, and the means and way appointed by him, for the Communicating and diſpenſing of his Grace, Spirit, yea and himſelf unto their Souls: and indeed without the Ordinances of the houſe, the houſe or Church cannot ſubſiſt; and they are the authorized Stewards of the houſe, to give the Lords Houſhold, all their proviſions in due ſeaſon, that they may be fat and flouriſhing under his keeping and Donations, 1 Cor. 4.1, 2. Mat. 24.45. Pſal. 92, 12, 13, 14. 1 Tim. 3.5. Every Church Ordinance is a Golden Pipe to convey light, life and holineſs into Believers hearts, and as Breaſts to convey nouriſhment to the Soul. They are ſpiritual Ladders to carry the hearts and graces of Believers up to Heaven, and lodge their minds and affections there; and they are as the Ark, where God will come and meet his people, Eſa. 64.5. Therefore they muſt be carefully, frequently, and holily diſpenſed and adminiſtred by them, who are ſet there to do it.
Sixthly, They muſt ſtand between God and the Church, with holy hearts, hands and tongues lifted up to Heaven for the Church, or in their behalf, and that privately and publickly. For their work and office, is not only to Miniſter to them from Chriſt; but they are to preſent their wants, deſires, and gratitude to God for them alſo: which is no eaſie work to do. They muſt pray and wreſtle with God for them, as for their own Souls, and carry them upon their hearts and ſouls in their ſecret addreſſes to God, and plead with God importunately for them, as they do for their own Souls: and that not as Believers only, but as their Teachers and ſpiritual Fathers alſo. Certainly, this is one great part of their work and buſineſs, and therefore they may not neglect it, but are bound to be diligent in it, in ſecret: and in publick, when preſent with them, they muſt bleſs them, and the word and ſeals, miniſterially, and that by virtue of their place, office, and power in the Church, 1 Cor. 10.16. Numb. 6.23, 24, 25, 26. Thus bleſſed Paul was much in the practice of, namely, in preſenting the Churches caſes to God, and wreſtling with God for them, Phil. 1.9. Col. 1.9. 2 Theſ. 1.11. Wherefore we pray alwayes for you. So Col. 1.3. 1 Theſ. 3.10.
Seventhly, Reſolve doubts and caſes, that trouble any of the Members of the Church, when they are preſented to them, if they are matters worthy conſideration. They muſt ſtudy caſes of Conſcience, and ſuch doubts and ſcruples as may ariſe in the hearts or heads of their people, that they may be ready to apply ſome ſatisfying Medicine unto them. They are to ſtudy perſons, and their caſes, and maladies, as well as the Scriptures: for they muſt alwayes be able to apply, and rightly to uſe a word in ſeaſon to weary, troubled, & burthened Souls, as well as to Preach publickly, and promiſcuouſly to all, from a ſtudied, compoſed ſubject. This work of Teachers in the Church, is no light ordinary matter: it will ſhew what they are, and try their learning and abilities for their work, more than any thing elſe. It is a ſpecial gift of God, and an evidence of an able ſpiritual Phyſician indeed, who can find out ſpiritual Diſeaſes of mens Souls, and readily apply proper Remedies to them, that can rightly ſpeak a word in ſeaſon to him that is weary: Eſa. 50.4. and comfort the feeble-minded, 1 Theſ. 5.14. The Lord Jeſus, and Paul, were much exerciſed and imployed in this work, and ſo ſhould Teachers now, as occaſion is offered. For the Prieſts lips ſhould preſerve knowledge, and the people ſhould ſeek the Law at their mouths, Mal. 2.7. They are given to the Churches, to be their ſpiritual Nurſes and Phyſicians, for the cure and health of their Souls; and therefore they muſt adminiſter Phyſick and Cordials unto ſick and pained Souls, in private, as well as in publick.
Eighthly, That they may diſcharge their Miniſterial work, as becomes the Miniſters of Chriſt; They muſt exerciſe themſelves in reading and ſtudying. They muſt give themſelves to reading, and ſtudying the Scriptures, the works and providences of God; as alſo their own experiences: and they muſt read, ſearch, and endeavour all they can to know the ſtates, caſes, conditions, and wants of their own particular flocks: that they may make full proof of their Miniſtry, 2 Tim. 4.5. Divide the word of Truth aright, 2 Tim. 2.15. Speak words in ſeaſon to all ſorts, (eſpecially) to weary and burthened Souls, Eſa. 50.4. And that they may both ſave themſelves, and thoſe that hear them, 1 Tim. 4.16. Miniſters of the Goſpel muſt be continually lying in, as well as lying out: they muſt furniſh themſelves with Grace, Truth, and Experiences, that they may Communicate unto others out of the good Treaſure of their hearts. Their hearts, heads and lips muſt be filled with varieties of Divine and Heavenly matters, that they may freely and readily impart of their receivings to every ones needs, Mal. 2.7. Their Lord and Maſter charges them to give attendance to reading, 1 Tim. 4.13. To Meditation, 1 Tim. 4.15. And to ſtudy, 2 Tim. 2.15. They muſt ſearch the Scriptures, Joh. 5.39. Hold faſt the form of ſound words, 2 Tim. 1.13. And inſpect their people, Pro. 27.23. 2 Tim. 4.5. Acts 20.28. They muſt not look for immediate Inſpirations, nor to be furniſhed with all needful ſupplyes from Heaven, for the diſcharge of their office and Miniſterial work in the Churches of Chriſt, by the ſpirit; but in and by their diligent uſe of Gods means. God that appoints and promiſes the end, appoints and directs us to, and in the uſe of the means, leading to the obtainment of that end. The end directed to, in and by the ſaid means, is the ſupply of Grace, Gifts, and all neceſſary and profitable miniſterial abilities, for ſuch as Chriſt puts into the work, and office, of teaching and ruling in his Churches. Therefore they may not divert to, or take up with any other Imployments, that may any way impede or hinder them in, or of the aforeſaid duties; But in caſe of neceſſity.
Ob. But did not Paul work with his hands, and labour in other buſineſſes, and exerciſe himſelf in worldly and ſecular matters, after he was engaged in the work of the Miniſtry? And if ſo; why may not other men do the ſame as well as he?
1. You ſaw before, what ordinary Elders ought to do, and are bound to attend unto in their places and offices, namely, to give themſelves wholly to the work of the Miniſtry, which they had received in the Lord, Col. 4.17. That they fulfill it: that they attend to Study, Reading, Meditation, Exhortation, Doctrine, 1 Tim. 4.13, 15. 2 Tim. 2.15. 2 Tim. 4.5. And that they wait on the Altar, 1 Cor. 9.13.
2. Examples muſt not be taken and advanced againſt precepts. Paul was an extraordinary Officer or Miniſter; his work and power was every where, where the Lord called him to Preach: he was not a particular fixed Elder, or Paſtour to one ſingle Church, neither was he bound or neceſſitated to attend to reading, ſtudying, &c. as ordinary Miniſters are. Moreover, Paul and other Apoſtles, had their office, power, their abilities and furnitures for their work, immediately from Chriſt in an extraordinary way and manner, which ordinary officers (now) have not.
3. Paul laboured not with his hands, or neglected his Miniſterial work, but when neceſſitated thereunto: and the Apoſtles at Jeruſalem, Act. 6. tells us, That it was unreaſonable, that they ſhould leave the word of God and ſerve Tables.
4. Ordinary Paſtours or Elders of Churches, do find that their ſo attending to their work (in their Studies) as commanded, abſolutely neceſſary, for the diſcharge and well performance of the work their Lord hath given them to do; and experience ſhews beyond all contradiction, that the moſt ſtudious holy Miniſters, are the moſt powerful and profitable in their Miniſtry.
5. The great and rich proviſions that God hath made for them, in their faithful attendance to their work in the Churches, fully proves and declares what they ſhould do and attend unto. God hath commanded their Hearers to provide carnal things for them; yea to Communicate to them in all good things, that they may attend on their work, and wait at the Altar without diſtraction, Gal. 6.6. 1 Cor. 9.6.15. Rom. 15.27.
Ninthly, They muſt be eminently holy and righteous in all manner of Converſation. They are Lights, and therefore they muſt ſhine as ſuch in the World. They are the Salt of the Earth, and therefore they muſt be of ſavory Spirits and practices, Matth. 5.13, 14, 15, 16. Miniſters of the Goſpel are given for, and commanded to be examples to their Flocks, 1 Tim. 4.12. 1 Pet. 5.3. They are indiſpenſibly bound to imitate their Maſter, and to teach, lead and conduct them in holineſs to Heaven, as well by their walkings and Converſations, as by their Miniſtry: that they may ſafely and comfortably follow them. Be ye followers of me, even as I alſo am of Chriſt, 1 Cor. 11.1. 1 Cor. 4.16. 2 Theſ. 3.7.
Surely, ſuch as Chriſt hath ſet in his Churches, to feed, nouriſh, comfort, ſtrengthen, inſtruct and build up his people; to conduct, lead and guide them in the way of Goſpel-holineſs to everlaſting happineſs; ſhould be ſingular in practical Godlineſs themſelves. They ſhould be ſingular in knowledge, faith, patience, ſelf-denyal, Goodneſs, meekneſs, charity, humility, tenden-heartedneſs, faithfulneſs, and uſefulneſs in the World. They ought to live out their own Doctrine, and confirm it, by conforming their carriages, words and actions thereunto. They muſt be clear of all Vices, and eminent in all Vertues, that they may adorn the Doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, and encourage men to follow their ſteps. For they are not ſet in the Churches, only to teach, and verbally to Miniſter to them, but to be Patterns of Piety alſo, Tit. 2.7. They muſt carry themſelves gravely, ſoberly, wiſely, ſeriouſly, and holily, towards, and before all men; that thoſe who ſeek occaſion againſt them, may find none; but on the contrary they may be convinced of, and report that God, his fear, love, faith and ſpirit is in them of a Truth, 1 Cor. 14.25.
And as they muſt ſeriouſly mind, and practice the matter of their work and duty, or what they are to do, and ſet in the Churches for, ſo they muſt carefully mind the manner of it too. (1) In all their Miniſtrations and Walkings, they muſt regard and have their eye on their Lords will and appointment. Teaching them to obſerve what ever I command you, Math. 28. ult. They muſt not impoſe their own Wills and Dictates, and thereby make themſelves Lords over God's Heritage, 1 Pet. 5.3. They are the Servants and Stewards of Chriſt, not to make Laws for, and impoſe them on his Houſhold; but to acquaint them with their Maſter's Laws, exhort and perſwade them to keep and obſerve them, as he commands, and to execute them on Offenders. (2) They muſt be diligent and conſtant in their Work. They muſt not be Loyterers, but Labourers, & be examples to their Flocks, by ſhewing all diligence and faithfulneſs in their work, Act. 18.25. 1 Tim. 5.17. Prov. 27.23. (3) They ſhould attend too, and perform their work readily, willingly, and chearfully, not grudgingly, 1 Pet. 5.1, 2. 1 Cor. 9.17. They muſt be apt to Teach, … Tim. 3.2. and willing to Communicate. If all Believers ſhould ſo perform all their works, much more ſhould Miniſters; They ſhould account their Miniſterial work their priviledge, not their burden, and carry themſelves accordingly in it. (4) They muſt alwayes have in their eye the ends of their work and office, and proſecute, intend, and deſign them with all Goſpel ſincerity. They muſt not take their office on them, nor do their work for filthy Lucre, 1 Tim. 3.8. 1 Pet. 5.2. nor to honour and exalt themſelves, but to honour, pleaſe and ſerve Chriſt their Lord, and to profit and edifie his people, and that with all poſſible integrity and uprightneſs of heart, 2 Cor. 2. ult. For if theſe ends be not upper-moſt in their eyes and hearts; in their deſires, choice, aimes and intentions in their Miniſtrations, it is certain they are not called of Chriſt, nor qualified for Church-work, and they ſhall not proſper in it, be owned and bleſſed by him, nor profit his people: Thus briefly of the work, and duty, of teaching Elders or Paſtors to the Churches over which the Holy Ghoſt makes them Overſeers. Now I ſhall briefly ſhew you the work and duty of Churches to their Paſtors or Elders, who faithfully and diligently labour in the word and Doctrine among them.