I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

If particular Churches, would be settled, and established, they must have all the Officers, and Ordinances of Christ then; as a Ship under Sail, with all its Sails our, is beautiful, and doth move evenly; so shall they al•o do. A Church is never settled, till it have all those Officers in it, which our Lord and Saviour Christ hath appointed. And what is the reason that many are so unsettled at this day, but because they do either despise, or neglect those Offices, and Officers, which are the Fruits of Christs Ascension, and which he hath given for the perfecting of the Saints, for the edifying of the Body of Christ, That we henceforth be no more Children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of Doctrine, Ephes. 4.11, 12, 13, 14. What is more uncertain than a weather-cock that is carried about with every wind? If you forsake the Ministry, and those Officers which Christ hath given to his Church, this will be your state and condition, saith the Apostle here. Now, when Pride, or Covetousness gets into Churches, then, though they have some of Christs Officers amongst them, yet they will not be for all: for, say they, we are not able to maintain more than one; and saith that one, if another be chosen, I must have less, and rule less. O! that Churches therefore, would take heed of these great Sins, Pride, and Covetousness; which will always keep them in an unsettled Condition.

If particular Churches, would be setled, and established, they must have al the Officers, and Ordinances of Christ then; as a Ship under Sail, with al its Sails our, is beautiful, and doth move evenly; so shal they al•o do. A Church is never setled, til it have al those Officers in it, which our Lord and Savior Christ hath appointed. And what is the reason that many are so unsetled at this day, but because they do either despise, or neglect those Offices, and Officers, which are the Fruits of Christs Ascension, and which he hath given for the perfecting of the Saints, for the edifying of the Body of Christ, That we henceforth be no more Children, tossed to and fro, and carryed about with every wind of Doctrine, Ephes. 4.11, 12, 13, 14. What is more uncertain than a weather-cock that is carried about with every wind? If you forsake the Ministry, and those Officers which Christ hath given to his Church, this wil be your state and condition, saith the Apostle here. Now, when Pride, or Covetousness gets into Churches, then, though they have some of Christs Officers amongst them, yet they wil not be for al: for, say they, we are not able to maintain more than one; and saith that one, if another be chosen, I must have less, and rule less. O! that Churches therefore, would take heed of these great Sins, Pride, and Covetousness; which will alwaies keep them in an unsetled Condition.