The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

2. TO be ready and willing to attend unto the especial cases that may be brought unto them, and not to look on them as unnecessary Diversions; whereas a due Application unto them, is a principal part of their Office and Duty. To discountenance, to discourage any from seeking relief in perplexities of this nature, to carry it towards them with a seeming moroseness and unconcernedness, is to turn that which is Lame out of the way, to push the Diseased, and not at all to express the care of Christ towards his Flock, Isa. 40.11. Yea, it is their Duty to hearken after them who may be so exercised, to seek them out, to give them their Counsel and Directions on all occasions.

3. TO bear patiently and tenderly with the weakness, ignorance, dullness, slowness to believe and receive satisfaction, yea, it may be, Impertinences in them that are so tempted. These things will abound amongst them, partly from their natural Infirmities, many being weak, and perhaps froward; but especially from the nature of their Temptations, which are suited to disorder and disquiet their Minds, to fill them with perplexed Thoughts, and to make them jealous of every thing wherein they are spiritually concerned. And if much patience, meekness and condescension, be not exercised towards them, they are quickly turned out of the way.

3. TO bear patiently and tenderly with the weakness, ignorance, dulness, slowness to believe and receive satisfaction, yea, it may be, Impertinencies in them that are so tempted. These things will abound amongst them, partly from their natural Infirmities, many being weak, and perhaps froward; but especially from the nature of their Temptations, which are suited to disorder and disquiet their Minds, to fill them with perplexed Thoughts, and to make them jealous of every thing wherein they are spiritually concerned. And if much patience, meekness and condescention, be not exercised towards them, they are quickly turned out of the way.