The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

For, although we have no concernment in the figment of an indelible Character accompanying Sacred Orders; yet we do not think that the Pastoral Office is such a thing as a Man must leave behind him every time he goes from home; or that it is in his own power, or in the power of all Men in the World, to devest him of it, unless he be dismissed or deposed from it by Christ himself, through the Rule of his Word. Where-ever a true Minister Preacheth, he Preacheth as a Minister; for, as such the Administration of the Gospel is committed unto him, as unto all the ends of it; whereof, the chief as was said, is the Conversion of Souls. Yea, of such weight is it, that the Conveniency and Edification of particular Churches, ought to give place unto it. When therefore there are great Opportunities, and providential Calls for the Preaching of the Gospel unto the Conversion of Souls, and the Harvest being great there are not Labourers sufficient for it; it is lawful, yea, it is the Duty of Pastors of particular Churches, to leave their constant attendance on their Pastoral Charge in those Churches, at least for a Season, to apply themselves unto the more public Preaching of the Word unto the Conversion of the Souls of Men. Nor will any particular Church be unwilling hereunto, which understands that even the whole end of particular Churches is but the Edification of the Church Catholic; and that their good and advantage is to give place unto that of the Glory of Christ in the whole. The good Shepherd will leave the Ninety and Nine Sheep, to seek after one that wanders; and we may certainly leave a few for a season, to seek after a great multitude of wanderers, when we are called thereunto by Divine Providence. And I could heartily wish that we might have a trial of it at this time.

For, although we have no concernment in the figment of an indelible Character accompanying Sacred Orders; yet we do not think that the Pastoral Office is such a thing as a Man must leave behind him every time he goes from home; or that it is in his own power, or in the power of all Men in the World, to devest him of it, unless he be dismissed or deposed from it by Christ himself, through the Rule of his Word. Where-ever a true Minister Preacheth, he Preacheth as a Minister; for, as such the Administration of the Gospel is committed unto him, as unto all the ends of it; whereof, the chief as was said, is the Conversion of Souls. Yea, of such weight is it, that the Conveniency and Edification of particular Churches, ought to give place unto it. When therefore there are great Opportunities, and providential Calls for the Preaching of the Gospel unto the Conversion of Souls, and the Harvest being great there are not Labourers sufficient for it; it is lawful, yea, it is the Duty of Pastors of particular Churches, to leave their constant attendance on their Pastoral Charge in those Churches, at least for a Season, to apply themselves unto the more publick Preaching of the Word unto the Conversion of the Souls of Men. Nor will any particular Church be unwilling hereunto, which understands that even the whole end of particular Churches is but the Edification of the Church Catholick; and that their good and advantage is to give place unto that of the Glory of Christ in the whole. The good Shepherd will leave the Ninety and Nine Sheep, to seek after one that wanders; and we may certainly leave a few for a season, to seek after a great multitude of wanderers, when we are called thereunto by Divine Providence. And I could heartily wish that we might have a trial of it at this time.