Rules of Walking in Fellowship, with Reference to Pastor

RULE I.

The word and all ordinances dispensed in the administration to him committed, by virtue of ministerial authority, are to be submitted to, with ready obedience in the Lord.

(1 Corinthians 4:1) Let a man so account of us, as of the Ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

(2 Corinthians 5:18, 20) God has committed to us the ministry of reconciliation: now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us. (2 Corinthians 4:7) We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us; see 2 Corinthians 6:1.

(Galatians 4:14) You received me as an angel of God, even as Jesus Christ.

(2 Thessalonians 3:14) And if any man obey not our words, note that man, and have no company with him.

(Hebrews 13:7) Remember them that have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God. V. 13. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, as they that must give an account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you.

EXPLICATION I.

There is a two-fold power for the dispensing of the Word, 1. [in non-Latin alphabet], or ability. 2. [in non-Latin alphabet] authority: the first with the attending qualifications mentioned and recounted (1 Timothy 3:2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; Titus 1:6, 7, 8) and many other places, is required to be previously in those, as bestowed on them, who are to be called to office of ministration, and may be in several degrees and measures in such as are never set apart thereunto, who thereby are warranted to declare the Gospel, 1 in cases of necessity, 2 occasionally, 3 desired by the Church, and not otherwise solemnly.

The second, or authority proper to them who orderly are set apart thereunto, arises from

1. Christ's institution of the office (Ephesians 4:11).

2. God's designation of the person (Matthew 9:38).

3. The Church's acceptation, election, submission (Galatians 4:14; Acts 14:23; 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13) which does not give them dominion over the faith of believers (2 Corinthians 1:24) nor make them Lords over God's heritage (1 Peter 5:3) but entrusts them with a stewardly power in the house of God (1 Corinthians 4:12) that is, the peculiar flock over which, in particular, they are made overseers (Acts 20:28) of whom the Word is to be received,

1 As the truth of God, as also from all others speaking according to Gospel-order in his name.

2 As the truth held out with ministerial authority to them in particular, according to the institution of Christ, which in other is not so.

Motives to the observance of this rule, are;

1. The name wherein they speak and administer (2 Corinthians 5:20).

2. The work which they do (1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:1; 1 Timothy 4:16).

3. The return that they make (Hebrews 13:17).

4. The account that the Lord has of them in his employment (Matthew 10:40, 41, 42; Luke 10:16).

RULE II.

His conversation is to be observed, and diligently followed, so far as he walks in the steps of Jesus Christ.

(1 Corinthians 4:16) I beseech you be followers of me. Ch. 11:1. Be you followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

(Hebrews 13:7) Remember them who have spoken to you the Word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

(2 Thessalonians 3:7) For yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you.

(Philippians 3:17) Brethren be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an example.

(1 Timothy 4:12) Be you an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

(1 Peter 5:3) Be examples to the flock.

EXPLICAT. II.

That an exemplary conversation was ever required in the dispensers of holy things, both in the Old Testament and New, is apparent: the glorious vestment of the old ministering Priests, Urim and Thummim, with many other ornaments, though primitively typical of Jesus Christ, yet did not obscurely set out the purity and holiness required in the administrators themselves (Zechariah 3:4). In the New, the shining of their lights in all good works (Matthew 5:16) is eminently exacted: and this not only, that no offence be taken at the ways of God, and his worship by them administered, as has fallen out in the Old Testament (James 2:17) and in the New (Philippians 3:18, 19) but also those who are without may be convinced (1 Timothy 3:7) and the Churches directed in the practice of all the will and mind of God by them revealed; as in the places cited, a Pastor should be vocal, Sermons must be practiced as well as preached. Though Noah's workmen built the Ark, yet themselves were drowned; God will not accept of the tongue where the Devil has the soul. Jesus did do and teach (Acts 1:1). If a man teach uprightly, and walk crookedly, more will fall down in the night of his life, than he built in the day of his doctrine.

RULE III.

Prayer and supplications are continually to be in his behalf, for assistance in the work committed to him.

(Ephesians 6:18, 19) Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, for me, that utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador. (2 Thessalonians 3:1, 2) Brethren pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, and that we may be delivered from the hands of unreasonable and wicked men. (1 Thessalonians 5:25; Colossians 4:3) Praying also for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ (Hebrews 13:18).

(Acts 12:5) Prayer was made without ceasing of the Church to God for him (Hebrews 13:7).

EXPLICAT. III.

The greatness of the work, for which who is sufficient? (2 Corinthians 2:16) The strength of the opposition, which who almost can resist? which are incumbent on, and maintained against the Ministers of the Gospel, call aloud for the most effectual daily concurrence of the Saints, for their support, and that love, thankfulness, and justice, do almost extort deserved prayers. That these are to be for assistance, encouragement, abilities, success, deliverance, and protection is proved in the Rule.

Motives.

1. The word will doubtless be effectual, when ability for its administration is a return of prayers (Acts 10:30, 31).

2. The Ministers' failing is the people's punishment (Acts 8:11; Isaiah 30:20).

3. His prayers are continually for the Church.

That for which he stands in so much need of prayers, is the Saints good, and not peculiarly his own. Help him who carries the burden (1 Timothy 3:8; Philippians 2:17; Colossians 1:24).

RULE IV.

Reverential estimation of him with submission to him for his works sake.

1 Corinthians 4:1. Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:12. And we beseech you brethren, to know them which labor among you and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. Verse 13. And to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake.

1 Timothy 5:17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.

1 Peter 5:5. Submit yourselves to the elders.

Hebrews 13:17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves.

EXPLICAT. IV.

The respect and estimation here required, is civil, the motive sacred; honor and reverence is due only to eminency in some kind or other; prelation is God's stamp upon any person, this is given to Pastors, by their employment; proved by their titles; they are called Angels (Revelation 1:20; Hebrews 12:22), Bishops or Overseers (Ezekiel 3:17; Acts 20:28). They are the Lord's Bishops.

2 Corinthians 5:20. Stewards (1 Corinthians 4:1; Titus 1:7), men of God (1 Samuel 2:27; 1 Timothy 6:11), rulers (Hebrews 13:7, 17), lights (Matthew 5:14), salt (Matthew 5:13), fathers (1 Corinthians 4:15), and by many more such like terms are they described; if under these notions they honor God as they ought, God will also honor them as he has promised. And his people are in conscience to esteem them highly for their works sake; but if any of them be fallen angels, thrown-down stars, negligent bishops, treacherous ambassadors, lordly-revelling stewards, tyrannical or foolish rulers, blind guides, unsavory salt, insatiate dogs, the Lord and his people shall abhor them, and cut them off in a month (Zechariah 11:8).

RULE V.

Maintenance for them and their families, by the administration of earthly things, suitable to the state and condition of the churches, is required for their Pastors.

1 Timothy 5:17, 18. Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, you shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn, for the laborer is worthy of his reward.

Galatians 6:6. Let him that is taught in the word, communicate to him that teaches in all good things. Verse 7. Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for what a man sows, that shall he reap.

1 Corinthians 9:7. Who goes a warfare at any time at his own charges? Who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? Who feeds a flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock? Verse 9. It is written in the Law of Moses, you shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn; does God take care for oxen? Verse 10. Or says he it altogether for our sakes; for our sakes no doubt, this is written, that he that plows should plow in hope, and he which threshes in hope, should be made partaker of his hope. Verse 11. If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing, if we shall reap your carnal things? Verse 13. Do not you know, that they which minister about holy things, live of the things of the temple, and they that wait at the altar, are partakers with the altar. Verse 14. Even so has the Lord appointed, that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel (Matthew 10:9, 10). Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses; nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

Add to these and the like places, the analogy of the primitive allowance in the church of the Jews.

EXPLIC. V.

It is a promise to the church under the Gospel, that kings should be her nursing fathers, and queens her nursing mothers (Isaiah 49:23). To such it belongs principally to provide food and protection for those committed to them; the fruit of this promise the churches in many ages enjoyed. Laws by supreme and kingly power have been enacted; giving portions and granting privileges to churches and their Pastors. It is so in many places, in the days wherein we live; on this ground where equitable and righteous laws have allowed a supportment in earthly things, to the Pastors of churches, arising from such as may receive spiritual benefit by their labor in the Gospel; it is thankfully to be accepted and embraced, as an issue of God's providence for the good of his. Besides, our Savior warrants his disciples to take and eat of their things, by their consent, to whoever the word is preached (Luke 10:8). But it is not always thus, these things may sometimes fail; therefore the continual care, and frequently the burden, or rather labor of love in providing for the Pastors, lies, as in the rule, upon the churches themselves, which they are to do in such a manner as is suitable to the condition wherein they are, and the increase given them of God. This the whole in general, and each member in particular is obliged to; for which they have as motives,

1. God's appointment, as in the text cited.

2. The necessity of it; how shall he go on warfare, if he be troubled about the necessities of this life. They are to give themselves wholly to the work of the ministry (1 Timothy 4:15).

Other works had need to be done for them.

3. The equity of the duty; our Savior and the Apostles plead it out from grounds of equity and justice (Matthew 10:10; 1 Corinthians 9:10), allowing proportionable rectitude in the way of recompense, to the wages of the laborer, which to detain is a crying sin (James 5:4).

RULE VI.

Adhering to him, and abiding by him in all trials and persecutions for the word.

2 Timothy 4:16. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me, I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

2 Timothy 1:16. The Lord show mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains. Verse 17. But when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. Verse 18. The Lord grant to him, that he may find mercy in that day; and in how many things he ministered to me at Ephesus, you know very well.

EXPLIC. VI.

A common cause should be carried on by common assistance; that which concerneth all should be supported by all; when persecution ariseth for the word's sake, generally it begins with the leaders; the common way to scatter the sheep, is by smiting the shepherds. The best of them is but a brier, and who will leave their Pastor in such briers? It is for the Church's sake he is reviled and persecuted, and therefore it is the Church's duty to share with him, and help bear his burden. All the fault in scattering congregations, has not been in ministers: the people stood not by them in their trial; the Lord lay it not to their charge. The Captain is betrayed, and forced to mean conditions with his enemy, who going on, with assurance of being followed by his soldiers, looking back in the entrance of danger, he finds them all run away; in England usually, no sooner had Episcopal persecution laid hold of a minister, but the people willingly received another: perhaps a wolf instead of a shepherd. Should a wife forsake her husband because he is come in trouble for her sake? Would not such a thing be called villany? Is the crime of a back-slider in spiritual things less? Surely while a Pastor lives, if he suffer for the truth, the Church cannot desert him, nor cease the performance of all required duties, without horrid apostasy.

RULE VII.

Gathering together in the assembly upon his appointment, with theirs, joined with him.

Acts 14:27. When they were come, and had gathered the Church together.

These are the heads wherein the Church's duty consisteth towards him or them, that are set over it in the Lord; by all means giving them encouragement to the work, saying also to them, take heed to the ministry you have received, that you fulfill it in the Lord (Colossians 4:17). For what concerneth other officers, may easily be deduced hence by analogy and proportion.