The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

5. IT belongs unto them also to visit the Sick, especially such as whose inward or outward conditions do expose them unto more than ordinary trials in their Sickness; that is the Poor, the Afflicted, the Tempted in any kind. This in general is a moral Duty, a Work of Mercy; but it is moreover a peculiar Church-Duty by virtue of Institution. And one end of the Institution of Churches, is, that the Disciples of Christ may have all that Spiritual and Temporal Relief which is needful for them, and useful to them in their Troubles and Distresses. And if this Duty were diligently attended unto by the Officers of the Church, it would add much unto the Glory and Beauty of our Order, and be an abiding reserve with Relief in the Minds of them whose outward condition exposeth them to straits and sorrows in such a season.

I ADD hereunto as a Duty of the same nature, the visitation of those who suffer unto Restraint and Imprisonment upon ⟨p. 175⟩the account of their Profession, adherence unto Church-Assemblies, or the Discharge of any Pastoral or Office-Duties in them. This is a case wherewith we are not unacquainted, nor are like so to be. Some look on this as the Duty of all the Members of the Church, who yet enjoy their Liberty; and so it is, as their Opportunities and Abilities will allow them, provided their discharge of it be useful unto those whom they visit, and inoffensive unto others. But this Duty diligently attended unto by the Elders, representing therein the care and love of the whole Church, yea, of Christ himself unto his Prisoners, is a great Spring of Relief and Comfort unto them. And by the Elders may the Church be acquainted what yet is required of them in a way of Duty on their account. The care of the Primitive Churches herein was most eminent.