The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

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, ⟨p. 173⟩Removal or Condemnation of all that is contrary unto it, is that in which the Rule of the Church doth principally consist. And considering the Weakness, the Passions, the Temptations of Men, the mutual Provocations and Exasperations that are apt to fall out even among the best, the influence that Earthly occasions are apt to have upon their Minds, the frowardness sometimes of Mens natural Tempers; the attendance unto this one Duty or part of Rule, requires the utmost diligence of them that are called unto it. And it is merely either the want of Acquaintance with the nature of that Law and its Fruits, which the Lord Christ requires among his Disciples, or an undervaluation of the Worth and Glory of it in the Church, or inadvertency unto the causes of its decays, and of breeches made in it; or ignorance of the Care and Duties that are necessary unto its preservation, that induce Men to judge that the Work of an especial Office is not required hereunto.