The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

2. THEY are in particular to attend unto all things wherein the Rule or Discipline of the Church is concerned, with a due care that the Commands of Christ be duly observed by and among all the Members of the Church. This is the substance of the Rule which Christ hath appointed, whatever be pretended unto the contrary. Whatever is set up in the World, in opposition unto it or inconsistent with it, under the Name of the Government of the Church, is foreign unto the Gospel. Church-Rule is a due care and provision, that the Institutions, Laws, Commands and Appointments of Jesus Christ be duly observed, and nothing else. And hereof, as unto the Duty of the Elders, we may give some instances: As,

1. TO watch diligently over the ways, walking and conversation of all the Members of the Church, to see that it be blameless, without offence, useful, exemplary and in all things answering the holiness of the Commands of Christ, the honour of the Gospel, and profession which in the World they make thereof. And upon the observation which they so make, in the watch wherein they are placed, to instruct, admonish, charge, exhort, encourage, comfort, as they see cause. And this are they to attend unto, with Courage and Diligence.

2. TO watch against all risings or appearances of such differences and divisions on the account of things Ecclesiastical or Civil, as unto their Names, Rights and Proprieties in the World, that are contrary unto that Love which the Lord Christ requireth in a peculiar and eminent manner to be found amongst his Disciples. This he calls his own new Command, with respect unto his Authority requiring it, his Example first illustrating it in the World, and the peculiar fruits and effects of it which he revealed and taught. Wherefore, the due observance of this Law of Love in it self and all its fruits, with the Prevention,