The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

2. COMPASSION and love to the Flock, were gloriously eminent in this great Shepherd of the Sheep. After other evidences hereof, he gave them that signal confirmation in laying down his Life for them. This Testimony of his love he insists upon himself, Joh. 10. And herein also his example ought to lie continually before the eyes of them who are called unto the Pastoral Office. Their entrance should be accompanied with love to the Souls of Men; and if the discharge of their Office be not animated with love unto their Flocks, Wolves or Hirelings, or Thieves they may be, but Shepherds they are not. Neither is the glory of the Gospel-Ministry more lost or defaced in any thing, or by any means, than by the evidence that is given among the most, of an inconformity unto Jesus Christ in their love unto the Flock. Alas! it is scarce once thought of amongst the most of them, who in various degrees take ⟨p. 54⟩upon them the Pastoral Office; where are the fruits of it? what evidence is given of it in any kind? It is well, if some instead of laying down their own lives for them, do not by innumerable ways destroy their Souls.

3. THERE is and was in this great Shepherd a continual watchfulness over the whole Flock to keep it, to preserve it, to feed, to lead and cherish it, to purify and cleanse it, until it be presented unspotted unto God. He doth never slumber nor sleep; he watereth his Vineyard every moment, keeps it Night and Day that none may hurt it; looseth nothing of what is committed to him; see Is. 40.11. I speak not distinctly of previous Qualifications unto an outward call only, but with a mixture of those Qualities and Duties which are required in the discharge of this Office. And herein also is the Lord Christ to be our example. And hereunto do belong, (1) Constant Prayer for the Flock. (2.) Diligence in the dispensation of the Word, with Wisdom as unto Times, Seasons, the state of the Flock in general, their light Knowledge, Ways, Walking, Ignorance, Temptations, Trials, Defections, Weaknesses of all sorts, Growth and Decays, &c. (3.) Personal Admonition, Exhortation, Consolation, Instruction, as their particular cases do require. (4.) All with a design to keep them from evil; and to present them without blame before Christ Jesus at the great day. But these and things of the like nature, presenting themselves with some earnestness unto my mind, I shall at present discharge my self of the thoughts of them, hoping a more convenient place and season to give them a larger Treat; and somewhat yet farther shall be spoken of them in the next Chapter.