The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

2. ALTHOUGH all the things mentioned, do plainly, evidently and undeniably belong unto the discharge of the Pastoral Office, yet in point of Fact we find by the Success, that they are very little considered by the most that seek after it. And the present Ruin of Religion, as unto its Power, Beauty and Glory in all places, ariseth principally from this cause, that Multitudes of those who undertake this Office, are neither in any measure fit for it, nor do either conscientiously ⟨p. 107⟩attend unto, or diligently perform the Duties that belong unto it. It ever was, and every will be true in general; like Priest, like People.

2. ALTHOUGH all the things mentioned, do plainly, evidently and undeniably belong unto the discharge of the Pastoral Office, yet in point of Fact we find by the Success, that they are very little considered by the most that seek after it. And the present Ruine of Religion, as unto its Power, Beauty and Glory in all places, ariseth principally from this cause, that Multitudes of those who undertake this Office, are neither in any measure fit for it, nor do either conscientiously ⟨p. 107⟩attend unto, or diligently perform the Duties that belong unto it. It ever was, and every will be true in general; like Priest, like People.

3. WHEREAS the account which is to be given of this Office, and the discharge of it at the last day unto Jesus Christ, the consideration whereof had a mighty influence upon the Apostles themselves, and all the Primitive Pastors of the Churches, is frequently proposed unto us, and many warnings given us thereon in the Scripture; yet it is apparent they are but few who take it into due consideration. In the great day of Christs Visitation, he will proceed on such Articles as those here laid down, and others expressed in the Scripture, and not at all on those which are now enquired upon in our Episcopal Visitations. And if they may be minded of their true interest and concern, whilst they possess the places they hold in the Church, without offence, I would advise them to conform their Enquiries in their Visitations, unto those, which they cannot but know the Lord Christ will make in the great day of his Visitation, which doth approach: This I think but reasonable. In the mean time, for those who desire to give up their account with joy and confidence, and not with grief and confusion; it is their Wisdom and Duty continually to bear in Mind what it is that the Lord Christ requires of them in the discharge of their Office. To take Benefices, to perform legalDuties by themselves or others, is not fully compliant with what Pastors of Churches are called unto.