The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

1. TO be able rightly to understand the various cases that will occur of this kind, from such principles and grounds of Truth and Experience, as will bear a just confidence in a prudent Application unto the Relief of them concerned. The Tongue of the Learned to know how to speak a Word in Season to him that is weary. It will not be done by a collection and determination of cases, which yet is useful it its place. For hardly shall we meet with two cases of this kind, that will exactly be determined by the same Rule; all manner of Circumstances giving them variety. But a Skill, Understanding and Experience in the whole nature of the Work of the Spirit of God on the Souls of Men; of the Conflict that is between the Flesh and the Spirit; of the Methods and Wiles of Satan, of the Wiles of Principalities and Powers or wicked Spirits in high places; of the Nature, and Effects and Ends of Divine Desertions, with Wisdom to make Application out of such Principles, of fit Medicines and Remedies unto every Sore and Distemper, are required hereunto. These things are by some despised, by some neglected, by some looked after only in stated cases of Conscience; in which Work it is known that some have horribly debauched their own Consciences and others, to the scandal and ruin of Religion, so far as they have prevailed. But not to dispute how far such helps as Books written of cases of Conscience, may be useful herein, which they may be greatly unto those who know how to use them aright; the proper ways whereby Pastors and Teachers must obtain this Skill and Understanding, is, by diligent study of the Scriptures, Meditation thereon, fervent Prayer, Experience of Spiritual Things, and Temptations in their own Souls, with a prudent observation of the manner of Gods dealing with others, and the ways of the opposition made to the Work of his Grace in them. Without these things all pretences unto this Ability and Duty of the Pastoral Office are vain; whence it is, that the whole Work of it is much neglected.

1. TO be able rightly to understand the various cases that will occurr of this kind, from such principles and grounds of Truth and Experience, as will bear a just confidence in a prudent Application unto the Relief of them concerned. The Tongue of the Learned to know how to speak a Word in Season to him that is weary. It will not be done by a collection and determination of cases, which yet is useful it its place. For hardly shall we meet with two cases of this kind, that will exactly be determined by the same Rule; all manner of Circumstances giving them variety. But a Skill, Understanding and Experience in the whole nature of the Work of the Spirit of God on the Souls of Men; of the Conflict that is between the Flesh and the Spirit; of the Methods and Wiles of Satan, of the Wiles of Principalities and Powers or wicked Spirits in high places; of the Nature, and Effects and Ends of Divine Desertions, with Wisdom to make Application out of such Principles, of fit Medicines and Remedies unto every Sore and Distemper, are required hereunto. These things are by some despised, by some neglected, by some looked after only in stated cases of Conscience; in which Work it is known that some have horribly debauched their own Consciences and others, to the scandal and ruine of Religion, so far as they have prevailed. But not to dispute how far such helps as Books written of cases of Conscience, may be useful herein, which they may be greatly unto those who know how to use them aright; the proper ways whereby Pastors and Teachers must obtain this Skill and Understanding, is, by diligent study of the Scriptures, Meditation thereon, fervent Prayer, Experience of Spiritual Things, and Temptations in their own Souls, with a prudent observation of the manner of Gods dealing with others, and the ways of the opposition made to the Work of his Grace in them. Without these things all pretences unto this Ability and Duty of the Pastoral Office are vain; whence it is, that the whole Work of it is much neglected.