The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

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.

4. ZEAL for the Glory of God in his whole Ministry, and in all the ends of it, had its continual residence in the holy Soul of the great Shepherd. Hence it is declared in an expression intimating that it was inexpressible. The zeal of thy House hath eaten me up. This also must accompany the discharge of the Pastoral Office, or it will find no acceptance with him. And the want of it, is one of those things which hath filled the World with a dead, faithless, fruitless Ministry.