A practical exposition on the 130th Psalm

2. Do we endeavour mutually to discern the condition of one another, in reference unto such Ends; Let us be sure to look unto, and pursue those ends when we have attained our Satisfaction. What these ends are hath been showed. It is that we may love them without dissimulation, as members of the same mystical body with us; that we may naturally take care of them, and for them; that we may delight sincerely in them; that we may minister unto their wants, Temporal and Spiritual; ⟨p. 340⟩that we may watch over them with pity and compassion. These and the like are the only ends for which we are at any time called to the consideration of the spiritual condition of one another, if these be neglected the other is useless. And here lies a great aggravation of that neglect, in that such a way is made for the avoidance of it. Here lies the life or death of all Church Society. All Church Society and Relation is built on this supposition, that the members of it are all Regenerate; some lay this foundation in Baptism only, professing that all that are baptized are Regenerate. Others require a farther Satisfaction in the real work it self. But all build on the same foundation; that all Church members are to be Regenerate. And to what end is this? Namely that they may all mutually perform those duties one towards another, which are incumbent mutually on Regenerate persons. If these are omitted, there is an End of all profitable use of Church Society. Churches without this are but mere husks and shells of Churches, Carcasses without souls. For as there is no real Union unto Christ without faith, so there is no real Union among the members of any Church without Love, and that acting its self in all the Duties mentioned. Let not this Ordinance be in vain.

2. Do we endeavour mutually to discern the condition of one another, in reference unto such Ends; Let us be sure to look unto, and pursue those ends when we have attained our Satisfaction. What these ends are hath been shewed. It is that we may love them without dissimulation, as members of the same mystical body with us; that we may naturally take care of them, and for them; that we may delight sincerely in them; that we may minister unto their wants, Temporal and Spiritual; ⟨p. 340⟩that we may watch over them with pitty and compassion. These and the like are the only ends for which we are at any time called to the consideration of the spiritual condition of one another, if these be neglected the other is useless. And here lyes a great aggravation of that neglect, in that such a way is made for the avoidance of it. Here lyes the life or death of all Church Society. All Church Society and Relation is built on this supposition, that the members of it are all Regenerate; some lay this foundation in Baptism only, professing that all that are baptized are Regenerate. Others require a farther Satisfaction in the real work it self. But all build on the same foundation; that all Church members are to be Regenerate. And to what end is this? Namely that they may all mutually perform those duties one towards another, which are incumbent mutually on Regenerate persons. If these are omitted, there is an End of all profitable use of Church Society. Churches without this are but meer husks and shells of Churches, Carkasses without souls. For as there is no real Union unto Christ without faith, so there is no real Union among the members of any Church without Love, and that acting its self in all the Duties mentioned. Let not this Ordinance be in vain.