The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

And this consists in a practical Wisdom upon a diligent attendance unto the Word of Truth, to find out what is real, substantial and meet food for the Souls of the Hearers, to give unto all sorts of persons in the Church that which is their proper portion. And this requires, (4.) A prudent and diligent consideration of the state of the Flock, over which any Man is set, as unto their strength or weakness, their growth or defect in knowledge (the measure of their attainments requiring either Milk or strong Meat;) their Temptations and Duties, their Spiritual Decays or Thrivings; and that not only in general, but as near as may be with respect unto all the Individual Members of the Church. Without a due regard unto these things, Men Preach at random, uncertainly fighting like those that beat the Air. Preaching Sermons not designed for the advantage of them to whom they are Preached; insisting on general Doctrines not levelled to the condition of the Auditory; speaking what Men can, without consideration of what they ought, are things that will make Men weary of Preaching, when their minds are not influenced with outward advantages; as much as make others weary in hearing of them. And, (5.) All these, in the whole discharge of their Duty are to be constantly accompanied with the evidence of zeal for the glory of God, and compassion for the Souls of Men. Where these are not in vigorous exercise, in the Minds and Souls of them that Preach the Word, giving a Demonstration of themselves unto the Consciences of them that hear, the quickening Form, the Life and Soul of Preaching is lost.

ALL these things seem common, obvious and universally acknowledged: But the ruin of the Ministry of the most for the want of them, or from notable defects in them, is, or may be no less evidently known. And the very naming of them, which is all at present which I design, is sufficient to evidence how great a necessity there is incumbent on all Pastors of Churches, to give themselves unto the Word and Prayer, to labour ⟨p. 88⟩[…] ⟨p. 89⟩[…] ⟨p. 90⟩