The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

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.

6. IT belongs unto them and their Office, to advise with and give direction unto the Deacons of the Church, as unto the making Provision and Distribution of the Charity of the Church for the Relief of the Poor. The Office of the Deacons is principally Executive, as we shall see afterwards. Inquisition into the state of the Poor, with all their circumstances, with the warning of all the Members of the Church unto Liberality for their Supply, belongs unto the Elders.

7. WHEN the State of the Church is such, through Suffering, Persecution and Affliction, that the Poor be multiplied among them, so as that the Church it self is not able to provide for their Relief in a due manner, if any Supply be sent unto them from the love and bounty of other Churches, it is to be deposited with these Elders, and disposed according to their advice, with that of the Teachers of the Church,