A word in season

The Flock (saith he) which dependeth upon you, that is, over which ye have charge, or which is among you, and not which is subject and lying at your feet. Care for it, and that not by constraint, because you can no otherwise choose, but willingly; not for filthy lucre sake, but of a ready mind. Here he comprehendeth in one word, all that which the Prophet Ezekiel in the 34th Chapter of his Prophesy, writeth concerning Pastors or Bishops. The meaning of this place is thus: Not only feed ye, but take ye care also and provide for them, that they want nothing, and ⟨p. 53⟩where any standeth in necessity or need, there see that ye relieve them: and in each respect, do the parts and duties of right Episcopoi, that good Watchmen and faithful Espials. Look out, least danger appear, stand always prest and ready on your guard, and diligently behold and espy out of your Watch Tower, what it is that is wanting, or what is befallen unto every one within your charges. Hereby we may well perceive and know, that a Bishop is even the same which is here meant by an Elder. And therefore it is not true, which some say, that a Bishopric is a Dignity, and a Bishop only he that weareth a forked Mitre. Episcopacy is not a name of Dignity, but of Office: for he that is invested with that name and title, ought to look to his Flock, and to be careful for it, and to serve as a good Watchman, to see abroad, and learn what things be amiss any where within his charge. As if there be any that is weak, having his conscience wounded, him ought he to confirm, comfort and heal: if any fall, him ought he to lift up again, and so as other defects arise, to be ready to help, whereby Christian-people may be sufficiently looked unto and provided for, both in Soul and in Body. This is the reason that hath moved me therefore oftentimes to say, that if we would institute a right Christian Common-wealth, it were necessary, that in every City there should be three or four Superintendents, to take care and regard over the Church and Congregation, and to reform and restore whatsoever therein is amiss or wanting.

The Flock (saith he) which dependeth upon you, that is, over which ye have charge, or which is among you, and not which is subject and lying at your feet. Care for it, and that not by constraint, because you can no otherwise choose, but willingly; not for filthy lucre sake, but of a ready mind. Here he comprehendeth in one word, all that which the Prophet Ezehiel in the 34th Chapter of his Prophesy, writeth concerning Pastors or Bishops. The meaning of this place is thus: Not only feed ye, but take ye care also and provide for them, that they want nothing, and