The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

1. THE First and Principal Duty of a Pastor, is to feed the flock by diligent Preaching of the Word. It is a promise relating to the New Testament; that God would give unto his Church Pastors according to his own heart, which should feed them with Knowledge and Understanding, Jer. 3.15. This is by Teaching or Preaching the Word, and no otherwise. This Feeding is of the Essence of the Office of a Pastor, as unto the exercise of it; so that he who doth not, or cannot, or will not feed the Flock, is no Pastor, whatever outward call, or work he may have in the Church. The care of Preaching the Gospel was committed to Peter, and in him unto all true Pastors of the Church under the name of Feeding, Joh. 21.15, 16. According ⟨p. 87⟩to the example of the Apostles they are to free themselves from all encumbrances, that they may give themselves wholly unto the Word and Prayer, Act. 6. Their work is to labour in the Word and Doctrine, 1 Tim. 5.17. and thereby to feed the Flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them Overseers, Act. 20. And it is that, which is every where given them in charge.

1. THE First and Principal Duty of a Pastor, is to feed the flock by diligent Preaching of the Word. It is a promise relating to the New Testament; that God would give unto his Church Pastors according to his own heart, which should feed them with Knowledge and Vnderstanding, Jer. 3.15. This is by Teaching or Preaching the Word, and no otherwise. This Feeding is of the Essence of the Office of a Pastor, as unto the exercise of it; so that he who doth not, or cannot, or will not feed the Flock, is no Pastor, whatever outward call, or work he may have in the Church. The care of Preaching the Gospel was committed to Peter, and in him unto all true Pastors of the Church under the name of Feeding,