AN EPISTLE To the Church of Christ in CHIPPIN-NORTON As Also certain Scripture Rules which jesus Christ hath given to His Churches to walk by, which are approved of and consented unto, by all the Members of the said CHURCH.  
Published for their use and benefit, and for the satisfaction of such persons as desire to know the Principles, and practices of the Church aforesaid.  
By STEPHEN FORD Pastor.  
As ye have therefore received Christ the Lord, so walk ye in him. Col. 2.6.  
And as many as walk according unto this rule peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Gal. 6.16.  
OXFORD, Printed by A. LICHFIELD, Printer to the University, for T. ROBINSON 1657.   

An Epistle to the Church of Christ in Chippin-Norton.  
MY Dear beloved friends, my Brethren and Sisters in Christ Jesus; when the blessed God inclined my heart to the work of the Ministry, my earnest request to God was, that he would be pleased to east my lot in a place where I might be (if he saw good) eminently useful in the Church and service of Christ: and in order thereunto, that he would be pleased to take off my heart from aiming at great things, in the world: that I might never be carried away with them, so as to neglect the work of the Lord, in any measure; and that God would give me an enlarged heart and sufficient abilities to perform so great a work, diligently and faithfully all my days: but it pleased God to hold me in suspense many months after I began to preach; sometimes gathering that God would have me fit down in one place, sometimes in another: but I could not be fully satisfied where the Lord would have me to abide.  
Whereupon I determined to stay longer in the University of Oxford, and to wait for a satisfactory answer from God. The same week that I thus resolved, I was desired to preach the next Lord's day, at Chippin-Norton, which accordingly I did; and it pleased God to begin to put a seal to my Ministry there as he had done in other places before: and being importuned with much earnestness to preach to you once more I was willing so to do: Afterward you earnestly with the rest of the Inhabitants, desired me to accept of the place and be your Minister. At that time I had three places offered me; one of them was worth near twenty times as much as this poor Vicariage that now I have; (as many can testify) but I found my heart more inclined towards you then towards any of the said places and through Grace I refused all of them for your sakes; and after I had spent many days in ask counsel of God, I was persuaded, and in some measure satisfied that the Lord would have me abide with you, at least for a time.  
And accordingly I found the Lord sweetly and strongly bearing in my former resolutions and promises to God when I was depending upon him for directing and strengthening Grace upon my heart, and the Lord was pleased to satisfy your desires by his engaging of my heart to continue with you, and I assure you that I am willing to spend, and to be spent for you, and as I never thought any pains too great nor any difficulty too hard that I have not endeavoured to take and break thorough, for the weal and happiness of your souls: so I trust I shall never knowingly neglect any opportunity, where in I may any way further your wellbeing here and your eternal Salvation hereafter.  
Now my beloved, the returns that I do expect and desire of you for all the sufferings that I have and am still like to undergo for your sake●, for all my temporal losses, for my care and pains, labour and travel for your everlasting happiness are, that you will be pleased to read, consider, and practise these following duties.  
I entreat you all for Jesus Christ his sake, for the love you bear to his name, his honour, for the love you have to your own souls: if you love peace of Conscience, and desire communion with the ever blessed God: if you would have the sweet smiles of your heavenly Father breaking forth upon you: for the love you profess to have to the glorious Gospel and Appointments of Christ: for the respect you have to the Lords people, who love you and pray for you, who prayed for you before you could pray for yourselves, who have seen your conversion, rejoiced with you, for the Grace of God in you as Barnabas for the Saints at Antioch (11. Act.) for the love you bear to me: if you desire to lay up to yourselves a good foundation against the time to come, to have continual assurance of the Love of God towards you, if you would not be stumbling blocks to sinners: if you value the precious blood of your Redeemer, if you desire to be prepared for death, and to be partakers of that Crown of Glory which is laid up in Heaven for the heirs of Heaven, such as by patiented continuance in well doing seek for it. Rom. 2.7.  
(I do beseech you in the first place,  
1. Try and examine yourselves whether God hath throughly and savingly convinced you of your miserable and lost estate and condition by nature, Joh. 16.8. which may be known by these particulars:  
1. Hath God by his Word and Spirit broken and melted your hearts; hath it been and is it so still a soul emptying and heart breathing conviction? hath the Lord shown you your own nothingness and insufficiency; that you have nothing in you that is able in whole, or in part to deliver you out of your sad estate: that you are poor and miserable, and blind, and naked. Rev. 3.17. without Christ's Righteousness, Isa. 55.1, 2.  
2. Have your convictions been self loathing, and self abhorring convictions Ezek. 36.31. Job. 42.5, 6.  
3. Have you been convinced of the evil of sin in general and of your sins in particular, both of emission and commission, how the great, the gracious, and merciful God hath been dishonoured by you, he who waited to be gracious unto you so many years who invited and entreated you to come in and be reconciled to him by Jesus Christ? 2 Jer. 19 Rom. 7.13. hath it been the burden of your souls that you should thus requite the Lord, to choose rather to serve sin and Satan then to serve him? Jerem. 3 25. 1 Tim. 1.13.  
4. Are you brought to loath, to hate, and abhor all your sins: your right hand, and right eye sins: your former beloved sins, that were espoused to you? do you loathe the very garment spotted with the flesh? Psal. 119.104, 113. Rom. 7.15.  
5. Have you cast off & taken your leave of all your former evil ways; your flesh pleasing and profitable sins as you accounted them: can you say that your hearts are brought to this, that you had rather suffer much, than sin a little: that you had rather die then hug, entertain, or commit any known sin? Ezek. 36.25. Judg. 10.16. Hos. 14.8. 1 Joh. 3.9.  
6. Have you been convinced of the Justice of God, how justly God might have damned you for the least sin that ever you were guilty of? that the great God hath cast many thousands into Hell for fare less sins than you have committed: that it was ten thousand to one that you had not been lost, that God hath been infinitely patiented and forbearing towards you? Rom. 2.4. Gen ●. 17.  
7. Have you been convinced of your unworthiness, that you deserve for ever to be rejected of God, and never to be received into favour with him Jerem 32.10. Phil. 3.7, 8, 9  
8. Have you understood & seriously considered what it will cost you to be Christians indeed? many (as I have often told you) when they are a little startled and awaked by the terrors of the Almighty; make some foolish, desperate resolutions and attempts to change their course of life; and go on so to do for a while; but when they meet with storms and tempests they change their minds and go back with the dog to their vomit 2 Pet. 2.22. Math. 13.21, Luk. 14.28, to 34. have you considered that it will cost you the loss of Father and Mother, wife and Children, yea it may be your own lives also: that you must take up Christ's yoke and follow him Luk. 14.26.27. and are you resolved notwithstanding to be Christians? can you say that none of these things move you? you care not what you suffer or undergo, so that you may win Christ and be found in him, Phil. 3.7, 8, 9  
9 Hath God followed these convictions? have they been revived again when they have been dying or sleeping? have they spurred you on to Christ and to a more diligent and earnest enquiry after God and yourselves Phil. 1.6. Phil. 2.13. Joh. 16.9.  
10. Did sin lie so heavy upon your Consciences and the sense of Divine wrath, as to make you restlessely and unweariedly to make out after Jesus Christ for rest and peace? Math. 11.28.29. and when you went about to quiet your Consciences with your prayers, or the good opinion of the Saints: or your reformation or resting upon any other broken reeds or sparks of your own kindling. Did the blessed God fetch you off, and continually pursue your Consciences until he had brought your wills to choose and accept of Jesus Christ upon his own terms; and that freely without looking back with reluctancy of Spirit etc. finding a kind of loathness and unwillingness to forego your Idols; but you could cheerfully and hearty cast them all away? can you remember that the Lord hath brought you so fare, and is still carrying on the work in your hearts: can you find that your hearts were and still are drawn to go to the free grace and mercy of God in and by jesus Christ, by his blood and righteousness, and in the sight and sense of your own lost, miserable, and woeful estate and condition being sinners, and in the sense of your own vileness, sinfulness, unworthiness; & insufficiency say sincerely & hearty; Oh Lord: here is a poor, wretched, sinful Creature come to thee for to be justified and pardoned: Oh Lord I do abhor myself and all my own Righteousness: I am a poor beggar, miserable, blind, naked: Oh Lord I am a condemned person cast and lost and I am like to perish for ever by thy righteous Law: but Oh I hear that there is another Court of justice and mercy erected for poor sinners to appeal unto, and I am invited, nay commanded to make my appeal there: Lord I come unto thy free grace and mercy: nay Lord I come to thy Justice in Ghrists' name 1 Joh. 1.9. I believe that he came into the world to save sinners 1 Tim. 1.15. and that he hath satisfied thy Justice; that he obeyed thy Law, that thou art well pleased with him; Lord thou hast made thy Son to be sin for some persons, that they may be made Righteous by him: he bore the sins of many, yea for all that come unto thee by him, with special Faith. Oh Lord I desire to be made Righteous by his blood & righteousness, to have Redemption through his blood: Oh Lord if it may please thee to Justify me for his sake; Oh thou that justifies the ungodly, own me and be well pleased with me; & use me in thy work. I shall account it my greatest happiness. Oh Lord whatever hath separated between me and thee heretofore I do utterly and hearty renounce, abhor, and forsake; all my beloved sins, all my beloved Righteousness; that I may have Communion with thee, that I may no more dishonour thee; Oh Lord I have been a willing servant to sin and the Devil, but unwilling to serve thee; but oh Lord now I am willing to cast of Satan's service, and to engage in thy service. I preserre thy ways and thy Commandments tenthousand times before my old ways. Oh Lord I have delighted in sin but now in Holiness; to please my lusts, but now to please my God. Oh Lord I am willing to have an interest in Jesus Christ upon any terms, send me where thou wilt, do with me as it shall seem good unto thee; only deny me not an interest in thy Son, in thy special Love Oh for Christ, for Christ am I come; give me Christ else I die; I will hang upon thy invitation, thy command, thy promise, Joh. 7.37. 1 John 3.23. Joh. 6.37. Oh Lord thou hast invited sinners to come in, and be reconciled unto thee; O Lord thou hast entreated and beseeched sinners; 2 Cor. 5.20. to accept of the terms of reconciliation. Oh Lord I do come, I am a sinner; I am one of them that is invited; 'tis true I am a great sinner, oh yet I am but a sinner. Oh I am willing now to be saved in the same way that Paul was. Oh Lord why not I? why not I? seing that sinners are invited, yea whoever will let him come. O Lord thou hast commanded sinners such as see themselves lost, to look upon thy mercy and Grace in Christ and be Saved Is. 45.22. Oh Lord I come in Obedience to thy command, I am resolved to hang here: Yea Lord thou hast promised never to cast off such as come unto thee; Oh Lord I'll hang upon thy faithfulness and promise: Oh let me find favour I am resolved to take no denial; I will not be put off without thee Lord Jesus; I am resolved to be like the importunate Widow Luk. 18.1, 2, 3, 4. I will keep crying and praying; Oh Lord 'tis for my life; Oh Lord thou hast been a long time waiting to be gracious unto me, now I will wait for thee to answer my petition, thou hast been many years wooing of me to gain my Love, and consent to marry thy Son: Oh Lord now I'll woe thee; Oh now I consent freely. Now with all my heart I am ready to contract with him; here is my soul and body and all is ready for him; Oh if I might but hear one comfortable word from thee about it: Oh that I might see but one smile; but one good look, to encomage me to continue my suit, Oh Lord the end of my coming to thee is, that I may be made holy, as well as happy; to be saved from sin, as well as from wrath: Oh Lord if thou shouldest reject me, I shall dishonour thee to all eternity, the thoughts whereof is burden some to me: if thou shalt please to accept me, and adopt me into that family, and engraft me into Christ, I shall live to thy honour and glory: Oh Lord when bloody persecuting Paul sought for favour, for acceptance, when Mary Magdalene and other great sinners, came to thee for pardon thou didst accept them. O Lord thou art as full of Mercy and goodness as ever, oh for Christ's sake, for Love and Mercy sake. Oh for the Honour and praise of thy great name pardon, love, receive me into thine arms of Love. Hath the Lord dealt thus with you, have you been thus brought to Christ; could you never be quiet, and satisfied until you had peace spoken to you by Christ, in answer to your constant and importunate suits and petitions; oh than be of good comfort Christ is thine; the spirit of God is in thee; thou hast an interest in the special Love of God, and in the Covenant of Grace; thou mayst go on triumphing over sin, death. and hell who shall lay any thing to your charge, Rom. 8. Christ is at the right hand of the Father for you.  
Oh but beloved your work is not yet at an end; you may not think that it is enough that you are in Christ, and Christ in you, that now you may fit still and be idle; no you just now begin to work, you never served Christ till he brought you home unto himself; Oh then now up and be doing and the Lord will be with you.  
My beloved the reason why I have given these few trials, and desired you to try your estates by them, is, that you may go on in the practice of your duty to God and man, the more freely, quietly and Comfortably: for I am very sensible what advantage the Devil hath upon poor Believers in their Christian walking, when they are always upon every temptation, ready to doubt whether they are in Christ, when they should go about their master's business; the Devil would feign persuade them that they are not his servants, and that they have no relation to him, his end is to render their lives uncomfortable and unfruitful, but now when poor souls are sure that they have thus been brought to Christ, as before, and reasoning thus: well I can say that I have been thus drawn to Christ. I have chosen him upon his own terms, and he hath said he will cast off none that so come to him; well I will cast my soul upon his word, i'll trust him with myself; and all my concernements, i'll care for nothing but how I may live and honour God, how I may bring forth fruit to him; I am commanded to cast all my care on him 1 Pet. 5.7. Phil. 4. and to commit myself unto him in well doing; well I will go about my Father's work and do what he hath commanded me.  
I beseech you mind this in the whole course of your lives; when you are tempted to neglect your work and fall back to distrustful fears, and doubts about your estates; oh than stand up stoutly and be not overtaken with the tempters wiles; and you will find it very advantageous to your souls.  
2. If upon due trial and search you can find that you have been convineed, emptied, and humbled, and at last brought to Christ as you have heard; Oh then be sure there to rest and rely, let the free Grace and Mercy of God in and by Christ, and the blood and Righteousness of Christ manifested, and held forth in the Promises; be the foundation you rest upon: rest there for continual pardon for acceptance for all supplies of Grace all must come from thence: here God will find you and you shall find God: this is your greatest duty yea and your greatest privilege: a privilege fare greater than Adam's: Now to move you and press you to this great duty.  
1. Consider that it is an easier matter than most of the Lords people think it is, to rest and live upon some broken Cistern Jer. 2.13. after that they are in Christ, and are Justified: As first upon Prayer; when they have prayed with more affection then ordinarily they do: or secondly upon brokenness and enlargement of heart, or thirdly on former experiences: they are of singular use, but not to be refted upon: not to be set up in the room of Christ: fourthly on grace in them; on knowledge, faith, or love, or patience, fifthly or on obedience, your care to please God, your respect unto his Commands; beloved you are to bless God that he hath wrought these things in you, and labour to be eminent in them, but if you rest and rely upon those or the like & expect acceptance because of these things & to have your wants supplied because it is so with you; or that God is therefore engaged to you to do you good, herein you greatly err now that you may see that it is an easy thing thus to do; take notice 2. Chron. 14.11. compared 2 Chr. 16.1. to the end Gen. 20.2 Math. 26.  
2. Be sure that your old selfish principle will draw you in servility to rest upon something of your own, though not altogether as you did before Christ and you were one, yet in part it will be so.  
3. You will exceedingly wrong your own souls if you do not rest on God and rely wholly on him in Christ, as you have heard.  
4. How unworthy will it be of your profession to jesus Christ, for when you were burdened with your sins you sought for ease and relief to other helps and Savioures, but they could give you none, and being persuaded to go to Christ alone, and to cast all your burdens on him Math. 11.28, 29. when you promised him that if he would receive you, and take of the guilt of sin from you: you would for ever rest on him; & wholly cast yourselves upon him now you have obtained your hearts desire of him; be sure it is expected that you should make good your promise, & live out your profession, which you made to him in time of trouble: Christ will take it very ill at your hands if now you should neglect him; and trust to those things that could not help you in time of need Judg. 10.12, 13, 14.  
5. You will cause the Lord jesus to leave you to yourselves; yea in time of need when you shall go to him for help: he will bid you go unto your Gods: Judg. 10.14. he will withdraw from you and suspend his strengthening Grace, his teaching and comforting presence, if you do rest upon and trust in any other.  
6. Consider that Christ alone can supply all your wants: yea he will if you do cast yourselves, and all your concernments upon him 2 Cor. 9.8 2 Tim. 1.12. Jud. 24. Phil. 4.19.  
7. God hath pronounced such as do not rely on him, but upon any other thing accursed, oh 'tis very dangerous Jerem. 17.5.  
8. Many promises are made to this duty: God hath engaged himself by promise to you that shall rest alone on him, to pardon you, to help you, to protect you: to give you peace Mark. 16.16. Isa. 41.10. Rom. 5.1.  
9 It is of all other duties the greatest, and such a duty that if it be well performed will as a means enable you to perform all other duties that you own to God or men: you will hereby be enabled to pray, to fight against flesh and blood, yea against the Devil himself. You will engage the great God to stand by you, to supply you with all grace at all times Eph. 6.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. Math. 21.22.  

Notes of living by faith.  
1. YOu live by faith and rest on Christ; when you can acquiesce, satisfy, and quiet your hearts in him when all creatures and creature supports and comforts fail you: than you can trust in him and say I have interest in an able and faithful God, in a full and all sufficient Christ, and here I can rest my soul, and I am fully satisfied, I have enough in having him, here lies my happiness, he hath made a Covenant that is sure, and certain, and this is all my salvation 2 Sam. 23.5. but if you despond in your spirits, complain, murmur, and are as persons undone when the Lord takes away Creature supports: then certainly you rested upon these things. A man may think that he doth believe and rely on God with a strong faith so long as he is hedged about with Creature comforts, but very difficult to know whether he can live by faith indeed at such a time. 1 Jam. 30.6. Prov. 18 10.  
2. If it be more and more familiar and easy to you, you can quickly and readily go to your resting place: and not account it a strange thing. Psal. 56.3. Isa. 26.4.  
3. If you are not discouraged in the work God sets you about because of the difficulties you meet withal in it; but you are carried on with much resolvedness, and boldness of spirit to do your duty: yea though your way be hedged up with thorns, yet you will not decline any one duty: it is a sign that you rest on Christ. Gen: 22.10 first verses. 20. Act. 24.  
4. If you can keep your ground, and stand steadfast, and keep close to God in times of temptations, and raising up of that unbelief that is in your hearts; if you can say that none of these things move you: 6. Eph. 11. to 18.7. Math. 26.  
5. If when the Lord withdraws and hides his face from you, when your graces are dead, your Sanctification clouded; your light is gone out as to your present sense, I say if then you can rest on the name of the Lord: 50. Isa. 10.43. Psal. 5. and stay upon the God of Jacob: then to conclude, well, though it be a sad and cloudy day now, yet I shall see the Sunshine of grace again.  
6. If when you see your emptiness, wants, and insufficiency, you can then go freely unto him who hath all fullness of all grace for supply, and there wait until it please him to satisfy your desires: and you a●e kept from going back to broken Cisterns; than you live by Faith, 30. Isa. 18. 2 Chron. 20.12.  
7. If you can quietly and cheerfully commit yourselves to God, all your cares, troubles, and enjoyments; and mind nothing but your duty and privileges, how you may receive from God, and how you may live to him, and please him well in all things, how you may walk worthy of the Lord, and bring forth fruit to his praise: and take no care but a dutiful care, what you shall eat, and what you shall drink; but throw yourselves on God for these things, than you Live by Faith. 4. Phil. 6. 1 Pet. 57 2 Tym. 1.12.  
NOw then for your comfort and encouragement know, that if you can find that you are thus brought home to Christ, that there is a real, hearty untract made between Christ and your soul, and that now it is your care to rest and rely on him: then know for your comfort,  
1. That you have an interest in, and a right unto all the promises that are made in Christ unto Believers: the Father, Son, and Holy spirit, are all by Covenant engaged to you to do you good: his wisdom, his strength, his goodness, and farthfullnesse, nay his Justice, 1 Joh. 1.9 oh you that are the Lord● blessed ones, rejoice and be exceeding glad; you may; 'tis your privilege, 2 Cor. 1.20. Joh. 18 21, 23. 1 Joh 1 9  
2. You have freedom, and liberty to treat with God about the great concernments of your souls or bodies, yea you may draw near unto him with boldness, and confidence and make your requests known unto him: Oh precious privilege: Heb. 10.19, 20, 21, 22. Rom. 8.15. Heb. 4.15, 16.  
3. You have an interest in Christ's love: he can and will receive you, and your Sacrifices that you shall offer up to God in his name; he will plead your case in Heaven, be sure he will never neglect you, if you do not neglect him: he expressed his hearty love to his poor friends when he was leaving of the world promising them that if they should ask any thing in his name he would do it, he that loves you can do what he will for you Joh. 14.13, 14, 15. Joh. 15.7. John 16.23, 24, 26. Joh. 17.  
4. God the Father himself loveth you: Jesus Christ's Father, and your Father loves you; notwithstanding your former sins, and present infirmities; he loves you with an everlasting love, before you loved him, he had his heart fixed on you, looking upon you in Christ when you were sinners: though he loved you not with the love of delight and complacency, as now he doth, having stamped his own Image upon you Joh. 16.26, 27. Joh. 14.23.  
5. Be sure that your Heavenly Father will never leave you nor forsake you; provided that you endeavour to please him and continue faithful unto him he will not do as men, to love for a month or a year, and provide for their friends for a few days; but as his love will be eternal, so will his care be also; he will provide for your souls and bodies Rom. 8.32. he delights in the Prosperity of his Servants Heb. 13.5. 2 Chr. 15.2.  
6. You have an interest in, and a peculiar right unto all the good things that Christ hath: he hath purchased all things that pertain to life and Godliness; you being Christ's all these benefits are yours; name what you will that may make for your well being here, and your eternal Salvation and happiness hereafter: Oh blessed portion. 1 Cor. 3.21, 22, 23. Eph. 1 14. Rom. 8.32.  
NOw Beloved the Lord having done all these things for you, having by his Grace brought you so fare in the way to Heaven and given you such great and singular privileges, and many more than I have named; in the next place I entreat you to consider what manner of persons ought you to be in all manner of holy Conversation & Godliness: Oh study now to walk worthy of the Lord, in all well pleasing, being fruitful in every good work: Oh consider what the Lord hath deserved at your hands; what he hath redeemed, chosen, and called you for; why he hath called you into the followship of his Son Jesus Christ, and with each other, and bestowed such great mercy upon you and labour to answer God's ends. Eph. 4.1 Col 1 10 1. Thess. 2.12.  
1. Give up yourselves wholly to God, devote your souls and bodies and all your enjoyment, strength, wisdom, all the gifts that you have received of God unto him, do it freely and hearty, say Oh Lord all that I am, or have is all thine; here Lord I freely give it to thee again 1 Sam. 1.11.28. 1 Pet. 4 19  
2. Love your Heavenly Father and Saviour, as much as you can, oh you heirs of Heaven, the more you love him the fuller your hearts will be of Love to him, the more cheerfully you will serve him and obey him, the more you will fear to offend him or to grieve him: Love will keep you from running out after the Creature: oh 'tis a heart preserving grace.  
NOw for the increasing and actuating your love to the ever blessed God Psal. 18.1, 2.  
1. Consider and realize much the great Love, the anspeakable love of the Lord Jesus to you, it hath and it will for ever even astonish and confound men and Angels, 1 Joh. 3.1. Rom. 5.8, 9, 10.  
2. Consider and realize the freeness of it: he loved thee because it pleased him, no other reason can be given for it but because he would: he saw nothing in you worthy of his Love: he might have hated you, and loved others Rom. 9.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 Deut. 7.6, 7, 8, 9  
3. Consider how this Love hath been expressed: God hath not expressed it by giving you corruptible things, by giving you earthly inheritances: not in giving you a reprobates portion: no nor yet in making you perfectly holy without spot: but in parting with his own dear Son: in giving the dearly beloved of his Soul unto a cursed death for you to redeem you from the curse of the Law, from sin, and Satan; to make you righteousness with the righteousness of God. 2 Cor. 5. ult. Rom. 5.8. 1 Joh. 4.10.  
4. Believe and pray much for hearts full of Love, go to him and say; Oh Lord thou that hast all fullness of love, I pray thee supply me, Oh Lord I am empty, Oh fill me: Oh Lord thou hast commanded me to love thee; Oh I desire to obey thee: Oh thou hast promised to give it. Deut. 30.6. Rom. 5.5.  
5. Consider that God is infinite in Glory and in Holiness. All the excellency beauty and holiness that is upon all the Creatures is but a reflection of his Holiness, and Glory, Oh how should poor wormer love him. Exod. 15.11.  
6. Consider he hath loved you with an unchangeable love, your sins Can never hinder its nor shall never be able to break it: he will continue to Love you though you oftentimes abate in your love to him Is. 55.3. Jer. 31 3.  
2. Take heed of Hypocrily in all your undertake and walkings, your words and deportments towards God and men: be sure to serve the great God in sincerity, and in truth, and whatever you profess, promise, or do to; or for men; do it without guile. Coll. 3.23 1 Pet. 2.1. Jam. 3.17.  
1. Consider if you do any thing though never so Good an action never so worthy of praise from m●n hypocritically, the blessed God will lose his glory, 'tis not a Pelievers doing of a good work that glorifies God unless his whole heart be sincerely engaged unto God in the performance. And therefore the Apostle enjoins servants and all others to do what they do hearty as to the Lord Col. 3.23. 1 Chron. 28.9. 2 Chron. 25.1, 2.  
2. Be sure that you will lose the Comfort. God hath appointed his servants their employments, and in their faithful and diligent performing their duty to him, he hath promised to give them Comfort, Joy, and Peace, but now when men leave out the special qualification to which God hath promised acceptance and his presence and other benefits, they shall lose the blessing promised. 1 Cor. 28 9  
3. You will lose your reward hereafter: you shall never hear at the day of Judgement one word for your comfort of any duty that you have performed, but what hath been done in sincerity and Truth, 25. Math 21.  
4. Con: if you do not serve the Lord Christ in sincerity, and in Truth, you will grieve the heart of one of your greatest friends, the Holy Ghost, 4 Eph. 30.  
4. Con. You will cause the blessed God to departed from you, God cannot, he will not hold communion with such as are hypocritical in their duties: you may not be hypocrities, yet you may have much hypocrisy mixed with your duties, and so much if you be not watchful, and very careful, as may cause the Lord to withdraw from you.  
3. I Beseech you endeavour to avoid all occasions of evil, what ever may endanger and ensnare your hearts; and cause them to forget the Lord, and to departed from him: as  
1. The company of sinners; a man can hardly touch pitch, and not be defiled therewith: he must be a strong Christian indeed, that can associate himself much with sinners, and not be ensnared and seduced by them: Psal. 6.8. Psal. 26.4.  
2. Be sure that you give not way to temptations, but resist them: yield not to the tempter a moment: if you do you will be foiled: David and Samson, and Jehosaphat you know were overcome by temptations, because they dallied with them, and did not resist them.  
3. Take heed that you be not too bold in using your Christian Liberty: it is easy to run too fare that way; th' people of God are not so often prejudiced by unlawful things, as by lawful: your hearts will be soon taken with these poor vain delights, that perish which the useing. Gal 5.13. 1 Cor. 6.12.  
4. Then you must be very careful to turn away your eyes from beholding such objects as may probably provok and stir up your Lusts, those things that your hearts are soon affected withal: that are most apt to draw your minds and affections after them: as the fashions and 〈◊〉 of this present age; you will quickly lose your minds; oh I like such  and such fashions. Psal. 119.37. Joh. 31.1.  
5. Avoid occasions of evil in this; walk not so much by example as by precept: look not too much upon the practices of Rich, Wise, and Learned men, it is not safe to follow examples, especially of such men, except they be transcendently gracious men: follow men so fare as their practices agree with the precepts of God. Phil. 3.17. 1 Cor. 11.1.  
4. IF you desire to live as Christians, and to walk worthy of the Lord, then be ware of Idleness, be always employed in some honest business; for Idleness is a very great sin, and it will bring you into many inconveniencies Prov 31.27 Ezek 16.49. 1 Tim. 5 13. 1 Tim 5.10.  
1. You will thereby tempt Satan to tempt you, the Devil will be often visiting of an idle person, and tempting him to many sins, as he did David. 2. Sam. 11.  
2. Idleness will indispose your souls and bodies for spiritual duties, it will bind up your hands and hearts: if you give up yourselves to idleness, you will not be able to pray, or hear, or meditate, or examine your hearts: you will be putting off duties from time to time; resolve to day to be better and to morrow: when to morrow comes, than you will be as unfit as before, and then you will put off God, and quiet your consciences with new resolutions, and so never bring any thing to pass that you desire to do, and God requires of you.  
3. You will thereby incur deadness, dulness, and regardlessness upon your hearts, which will prove a heavy affliction to you: you will be uncapable of enjoying God in his Ordinances, or to worship God spiritually.  
4. Idleness will bring continual guilts upon you; to trouble and disturb your consciences, you will never be at quiet, but always perplexed and tormented.  
5. Idleness will expose you to many sins, God will permit many stumbling blocks to lie in your way; God oftentimes punisheth one sin with another: you will meet with many occasions to draw you to the commitment of other sins, as David found by sad experience.  
6. Idleness will embolden your Lusts to break out, it will give vent to Lusts, Idle persons have one Lust or other continually breaking out in words or actions.  
5. IF you will walk worthy of the Lord, be careful not to give way unto the indispositions of your hearts, take heed of an indifferent frame of heart; when you find an indifferency and loathness upon your hearts to pray, or meditate, or to examine your hearts or practices, or to any other duty. when you begin to have a very low esteem of any duty; oh friends suffer it not to be in you with quietness: but  
1. Go to God immediately in Christ's name; and acquaint him with your condition; say oh Lord it is so and so with me, I have low and undervaluing thoughts of thy Commandments, and my duty to thee: Oh Lord I entreat thee for Jesus Christ his sake, deliver my poor soul, that I may serve thee with gladness. Psal. 55 22 Psal 119.32. Psal. 4.1,  
2. Consider how dear it cost you heretofore, when you were through your carelessness, and neglectfulnesse under such a frame of heart: what expense of labour, pains, and care you were at in praying, weeping, waiting, hearing, and the like, before you were delivered.  
3. If it be objected to you, that you cannot Pray or use any means to remove it from you at such a time; consider that you ought to do what you can, though you cannot do what you would, as you would: If you can but creep to God, and only acquaint him with your present burdens: it is not your unfitness, if you do what you can in Christ's name, that can altogether hinder your prayers from being accepted, Rom. 8.26, 27. Psal. 103.13, 14.  
4. Be sure that it will be worse with you before it will be better, if you yield to them. The quieter you are, and the less you do to remove such frames of heart, the more these indispositions will grow, and increase in you: if you cannot use means now to remove them, you will be less able hereafter.  
5. Consider that so long as you are under such a frame of heart, you cannot be fit for any spiritual duty, you cannot do any good work well.  
6. Use such quickenings considerations, and Arguments, as may probably be a special means to help you out, to free you from these indispositions.  
1. As first, that the blessed God can remove them with a word if he please; and that he is willing and able. Rom. 4 20, 21.  
2. That Jesus Christ came into the world to give life, and to give it more abundantly; he came to give quickening grace to believers through the whole course of their lives, as at the first to deliver them out of a state of death, and to bring them into a state of life. joh. 10.10. Jer. 13.3.  
3. That God hath promised to quicken dead souls; to remove all your clogs and fetters, that hinder you from a comfortable walking with him. Psal. 119.25. Rom 8 11.  
4. That the Lord hath delivered you when you sought unto him; nay when you were wholly dead in sins, yea before ever you desired him to do it for you: and surely he will not now refuse to hear and help you when you call upon him, Psal. 119.50; 93. 2 Eph. 5.  
5. That it is the Office and work of the Holy Ghost, to quicken Believers hearts: that he is employed by the Father, and the Son, in such heart quickening work: joh. 6.63.  
6. That it is the will of your heavenly Father that you should serve him with lively cheerful hearts, that he cannot endure to have his children lie under a dead indifferent frame of heart. 2 Cor. 9.7.  
7. Consider that God is still your Father, and Jesus Christ is still interceding in heaven for you, even then, when you are so bound up in your hearts, as that you cannot bring up your affections to follow your judgements: you have still an interest in your Father's love, and in the covenant of Grace, and in Christ's prayers, Rom. 8.34. joh. 14.14. Heb. 1.25.  
6. IF you desire to walk with God: then labour much to be watchful Christians, keep a strict eye upon your hearts; no Christian like unto a watchful Christian: none so holy, so humble, so strong, so wise, and faithful: watchfulness is a preserving duty, and therefore the Holy Ghost is often pressing it upon the Lord's people: Math. 24.42. Math. 26.41. Mark. 13.33. to the end. 1 Cor. 16.13. Coll. 4.2. 1 Thes. 5 6. 1 Pet. 4 7.  
1. Labour to spy out the very first turning away of your hearts from God, and then you may prevent your hearts from going any farther; when you are upon your watch, you will find quickly which way your hearts are inclining, and where they intent, and for what: if you do so constantly and faithfully, you will be able to keep your ground, and still be Lords over your own hearts under God.  
2. Watch that you may see and quickly find out what secret flatteries, and flesh pleasing insinuations the Devil at any time shall suggest unto you; Satan will draw you off from God if possible, not by violent temptations, but by some sweet suggestions; pretending that you may do such and such things: for they are lawful, and others have done such things, that have been holy wise men: others have spent much time in seasting, and merry meetings: in jestings, and merry discourses: in sleeping and idleness: and why not you also: why these things are not altogether unlawful, and many other such ways he hath to seduce you.  
3. Be sure to keep a strict watch when you are in vain, evil company: for than you will be in great danger of being betrayed; your hearts will soon be drawn to close with them; at least to a conniving at them, or to speak something that may manifest too much of your consenting to them: and make them the more bold in their practices, and betray your own hearts, Psal. 39.1, 2.  
4. Observe your hearts when providence calls you to change, either your places or businesses, or both: for than you will be in great danger of losing your hearts, and your God too: many gracious hearts have found it true by sad experience; that have kept close to God for the most part, after they have been converted, so long as they have lived in the same places, and followed the same employments; but in and after some considerable changes, they have miserably fallen, and departed from God. 2 Sam. 11.  
5. When you meet with any great disappointments, and cross providences; or God at any time gives you your hearts desires; then be sure to have a strict eye over your hearts: for if you are not exceeding careful at such times, you will backslide from God: for then your thoughts will be taken up, about making some carnal advantag by the one: or in looking too much on the second causes in the other: at such times either your hearts will be too high or too low: Job. 1. 1 Sam. 1.  
6. Watch when God calls you to the solemn performance of any spiritual duty, either privately or publicly; lest when you come to the performance, you come without hearts, or without hearts that will rather hinder you, then help you, 1 Pet. 4.7.  
7. Be sure to watch your hearts, when you are in holy duties; especially when you pray, or speak before others, or when you join with others in prayer, your hearts will be like the fool's eyes in every corner of the earth at such a time; or pride, and self exalting will arise in your hearts: 1 Cor. 3.  
8. When you have performed any spiritual duties, and you have met with God in it: you have been filled with joy, and enlargements of heart: your hearts are warm, and cheerful, you can read your names written in the Book of life: oh then especially watch; than you have more need than at any other times.  
1. Because your hearts will rest upon your enjoyments; and set them up in the room of Christ; I do assure you that I have found my heart readier to rest upon these broken reeds, and to neglect Christ, then at any other time; now you should endeavour to see it. Jer. 2.13.  
2. Because your hearts will attribute that which only is due to God, to the Creature; and say my own hands have done this; or by the excellent gifts, and graces of such a man, who prayed and Preached admirably, and so forget that the holy spirit did all for you, and in you; Isa. 26.12. Phil. 2.13.  
3. Because the heart is very apt to grow secure and careless then, more than at another time: then Satan and your own hearts will tell you, that now all is well, and therefore eat, drink, and be merry, until you have so provoked the spirit, as that he will take his leave of your hearts secretly, you shall not know when nor how he departs. 1 Kings 9.2. compared 11 chap. 1.4.  
4. Because if you should departed from God after such sweet expressions of his love, you will more dishonour and grieve him then before, and God will take it as a very proud affront to his Majesty, that when he hath sweetly and graciously answered your desires, you should so much slight and undervalue him, as not to endeavour to keep what he hath given you: 1 King. 11 9 Psal. 85.8.  
5. Because when you were waiting and depending on God, for such or the like favours, as you have received, you promised and vowed that you would improve them when the Lord should grant them, now you cannot possibly make good your promises and vows, except you be very watchful, Psal. 76.11. Eccl. 5.4, 5.  
6. Because than you have power: your faculties and graces are prepared; you have divine strength put into your hand, to walk with God, and to do some singular thing for God, for the farther advantage of your souls, more than at another time. Psal. 36.9. Psal. 30.5. Therefore be much in this blessed duty, especially at such times: and know that 'tis not your duty only at such times (though especially then) but at all times, in all places, in all businesses, in all companies; in all your conversings with men: and in all your conversings with God.  
1. NOw to quicken you to this great duty, consider these few things: first; if you shall carefully, faithfully, and constantly practise this duty, you will be able to see, and clearly to discern all passages between God, and your souls: you will see his come in, and go out; you will know the method of the spirits workings; you will be ready to embrace and receive all his benefits: you will quickly see a clear difference between your own spirits, and the spirit of God; your own wisdom, and strength, and his; you will see the worth of divine assistances: 2 Pet. 4.9. the 4, 5, 6. Chapters of the Cant.  
2. You will be well provided to wage war with the Devil, your Lusts, and the World; you will be able to see your enemies a fare off; you will not be surprised, but be able to fight with them at a distance, and then you will have a very great advantage, when you shall be able to fight with your enemies at the swords point; I can say that when I have fought with sin, and Satan at a distance; that I never was conquered, but was still a conqueror, through the Lord Jesus that strengthened me. 1 Pet. 5.8. Eph. 6.  
3. Consider that God hath pronounced such blessed, God blesses you even in the very performance of it: besides what soul advantages you will have thereby as you have heard, Revel. 16 15. Math. 24.42, 46.  
4. Consider that it is your duty to watch; therefore do it in obedience to God's command, make Conscience of performing this duty as well, and as much as of any other Mark. 13.33, 34, 35, 36, 37.  
5. You will make your passage to Heaven the more comfortable; you will make the way easy and plain, you will not be so often at a loss as others are that neglect it; you will be able to run, when others can hardly creep; you will rejoice when others mourn Psal. 51.  
6. God will enable you hereby to be ready to every good work; you will be able to go from one duty to another, from one business to another, from one place to another; to perform the duties of your particular callings, and go from them to prayer or hearing, or meditation, or discoursing with the Saints; oh my brethren what a privilege will you have? none can be greater than to have the heart disposed unto every good word; and work for God Tit. 3.1. Luk. 12.40.  
7. Be much and often in the great duty of private prayer; take heed of neglecting that spiritual and soul enriching duty, it hath been and still it is, the Common experience of the Lords people, that the neglect of this duty hath been unspeakably prejudicial to their souls; and beloved the Devil will Labour more to keep Believers from this duty, than (I think) from any other; for nothing can prejudice the Devil's Kingdom, like unto this duty, well performed: now that your hearts may be the more engaged to this duty, I shall entreat you to realize these few considerations and Scriptures. Math. 6 6.9. Math. 26.41. Mark. 13.33. Luk. 18.1. Luk. 21.36. 1 Thess. 5.17.  
1. IT is God's way, his Ordinance, & appointment to Communicate and convey his choicest soul saving mercies to his People; so that if ever you expect much of God, be much in private prayer Math. 7.6, 7, 8, Psal. 2.8.  
2. Cons. God hath promised his Spirit to help such as shall be faithful in waiting on God in this duty: so that when you intent to pray; but meet with great oppositions with much deadness, and coldness of heart, many great temptations; be not in the least discouraged; but go to the Lord and tell him that you intent to pray as he hath commanded you; but you cannot unless he will help you; tell God that he hath promised his Spirit to help you, and that now you Stand in need of him, and entreat him to give him to you, and take no denial Rom. 8.26, 27. Gal. 4 6. Joh. 14.26.  
3. Consider that the great God hath condescended to promise to hear the very groans and sighs of your hearts, when by reason of the prevalency of your corruptions and temptations you cannot speak out your wants, and desires to God. Rom. 8, 26, 27. Psal. 79.11.  
4 Your Heavenly Father invites you to converse with him: he entreats you not to be strangers to him: God would have his people to be familiar with him; call on me saith God, I will hear thee; you may go to God in Christ's name, as friends invited to feast with him; and to ask what you will of him; Psal. 50 15 Math. 11.28. Joh. 15.7.  
5. Consider that your Heavenly Father Complains much of his people's strangeness to him; and tells them they had forgotten him days without number. Jer. 2.32. Isa. 43 22.  
6. Consider that God is your friend, and Father, he is full of bowels of love compassion and goodness; he will be exceeding ready to receive you and here your prayers and grant your desires; so that when you go to God to petition him for any mercy, remember you go to the greatest and most real heartedst friend, that you have. Exod. 34.6, 7. Jer. 3.19. Psal. 86.5.  
7. Consider that you have a great faithful; loving, and potent friend in Heaven, to transact all your businesses in Heaven, between God and your souls; one who can experimentally sympathise with you; your advocate and Intercessor is man as well as God; you may open your very hearts to him, with as much freedom and holy boldness, as you may to any friend you have in the world; remember what he promised you before he went into Heaven, and put him in mind of them, and be sure that he will be as good as his word, 1 Joh: 2.1, 2 John 14.13, 14, 15. John 16 23, 24, 26. John 15.14.  
8. Consider prayer is an appointment of God, whereby God will hold Communion with his people in his Ordinance, God communicates his mind unto his friends, and the blessings of the new Covenant; and Believers having received of God; they give back again to him; by acknowledging his free mercy and grace: in blessing and praising of his Name; and in resting and relying upon him for further expressions of his Love: and by commending his goodness, and enhancing it. Jam. 4.8. 1, and 2. Chapters of the Acts  
9 Consider God hath promised to hear and to Answer the desires, and requests of his people, that are according unto his will; and God is ever mindful of his Covenant. Jer. 29.12, 13, 14. Psal. 34.15.  
10. Consider that if you shall be negligent in this duty, you will quickly incur guilt on your consciences, and bring hardness upon your hearts; you will grieve the holy Spirit, and cause him to withdraw from you, you will bring upon yourselves many fears and doubtings, which will greatly perplex and trouble your souls: you will lose the exercise and use of all your Graces; yea you will have all your spiritual comforts taken from you Psal. 30.5.  
2. Be sure to perform this duty according to the will of God: Oh my beloved 'tis not enough to pray much, but take heed how you pray; 'tis not any kind of praying that is a Sacrifice well pleasing to God Mat. 6.9. after this manner therefore pray ye saith Christ.  
1. Before you begin to pray, set a part a little time to prepare, by considering 1. What your wants are, what you stand most in need of; 2. Whether it be your duty at that time; it is an easy matter to be mistaken, and to pray when we should do some other thing; I assure you friends 'tis a great thing, yea a choice mercy indeed, for a Believer to do all duties in their season. 3. Whether God hath promised to give such things as you intent to ask, whether there be any general or paticular promise to be a foundation for your faith: 4. Consider with whom you have to do in prayer a God who is Justice, Goodness, Wisdom, Strength, Mercy, Love, Omniscient, Omnipresent. and a Spirit: and then 5. Consider what frame of heart is, or may be most suitable to these glorious Attributes of God; 6. Consider your own unworthiness; how infinitely unworthy you are of such a privilege. 7. To consider your own insufficiency that you can do nothing without the assistance of the Holy Spirit, and that he hath promised the Spirit to them that in sincerity ask him. 8. To consider what encouragements you have from God to pray, and other considerations you should use to prepare your hearts.  
3. When you go to God, believe for much, and expect much of God, take heed of doubtings and of low and narrow expectations: open your mouths wide, that is your faith, that God may fill your hearts. Jam. 1.5. Psal. 8.10.  
4. Be sure that you get your hearts affected with your wants, and with the greatness & preciousness of those mercies that can supply them, that so your hearts may hunger and thirst earnestly after them Math. 5.6.  
5. Go to God the Father in Christ's name, go in Christ's worthiness, by his blood, and Righteousness, look on him as on one that sits at God's right hand to make intercession for you, say unto God, Lord though I am unworthy yet thy Son is worthy, he hath purchased these mercies that I beg of thee, John 14.13, 14.  
6. Pray earnestly, hearty, and Spiritually to God; take heed of carnal, dead, heartless Sacrifice, of formal praying; for that will exceedingly prejudice your souls; never leave off until your hearts have been carried up to God, joh. 4.24. Coll. 3.23.  
1. COnsider your Consciences will not let you alone to rest contented, except you do the matter of a duty; but then they will be for a time quiet in the thing done, but know that no Sacrifice, no Prayer can find acceptance with God but a hearty fervent prayer Jam. 5.16. Rom. 12.11.  
2. God requires the heart in all your duties, and therefore it is but reason that you should give that to him. Prov. 23 26.  
3. Consider, unless you pray hearty, and earnestly, you cannot do it in Faith; now whatsoever is not of Faith is sin. Heb. 11.6. Rom. 24. ult.  
4. Consider if you do not pray so, you mock God, you pretend to do that which you do not, and you know that that is a great sin. Gal. 6.7. Jer. 3.10,  
5. Consider if you do not pray so, you rob God of his own, that which is due to him; you keep from him; will a man rob God, saith the Prophet, will he be so wicked as to detain that which he gives unto him: Mal. 3.8. Mal. 1.8, 9  
6. Consider that you will lose all your labour and pains: God will never answer carnal, cold, heartless prayers here, nor reward you for them hereafter; he will say who hath required these things at your hands Isa. 1.11, 12, 13, 14. Math. 7.  
7. Continue in prayer; be not discouraged and put off with fears that you shall never obtain that which you pray for, because you are not answered presently: but go again, and wrestle with God as Jacob did and resolve to take no denial Gen. 32.24, 25, 26, 27, 28.  
8. Then when you have prayed wait for and expect an answer, look after your prayers; observe what answer the Lord gives to your prayers. Psal. 85.8. Sam. 11.  
9 Commit yourselves and your concernment, your prayers and all into the hand of Jesus Christ; as well after you have prayed, as when you are praying; and labour to quiet your hearts as the prophet did in the goodness of God, let him do what he sees good, refer yourselves unto him to his wisdom, care, and love. 1 Pet. 5.7.  
8. I Beseech you brethren, take heed of the world; engage not yourselves in more worldly businesses than you can well manage and keep your hearts free for God; and to have time enough for Spiritual duties; for prayer, hearing, Conference, Meditation, and examination 1 Joh 2.15. Rom. 8.6. Phil. 3.18, 19 1 Tim. 6.9, 10, 11, 12.  
1. Consider that though it may be profitable for the body, yet 'twill be very hurtful, and prejudicial to your souls, now you know the soul is much more precious than the body, Luk. 12.32, to the 33 Luk. 22.34.  
2. Consider though you may fear and intent no hurt in so doing to your souls, yet your hearts may soon be overcharged with the cares of this life; for although in the first beginning your hearts may be kept with God, yet by little and little you will find it will grow worldly Math. ●. 24, to the end.  
3. Consider that you have no promise to be assisted and kept by God in so doing; because God hath not called you to so many worldly businesses; God never calls any of his people in love and mercy to more employments than they may well do (if they will be careful) and yet keep their hearts free for and close to God Coll. 3.1, 2. Phil. 3.20.  
4. Consider if you do so, you will cause both Saints and sinners to have hard thoughts of you: you will lose your room in spiritual hearts; and sinners will conclude that you are covetous earthly creatures; 2 Tim. 4.10. Phil. 3.19.  
5. Consider if you engage in more worldly businesses than you ought, you will expose yourselves to more temptations than you will be able to bear 1 Tim. 6.9, 10, 11.  
6. Consider 'tis better to have Communion with God then to have much of the creature; to have a praying, ●enlarged heart than your purses full of money, and your barns full of corn; it is fare better to be enriched with heavenly things, then with earthly Psal. 4.6, 7 Phil. 3.7, 8, 9  
7. Consider that Saints must be singular men, they must be as lights to guide others, wicked men must see that Saints are men of other Spirits, of choice Heavenly minds. Math. 5.46, 47. Isa. 63.8. John 17.16.  
9 ENdeavour to walk very humbly having low thoughts of yourselves; and showing much meekness, and humility before all men in your words, deportments, and in all things: Coll. 3.12. Phil. 2.6, 7, 8. Prov. 39.23. Jam. 4.6. Isa. 57 15. Isa. 66.2. 1 Pet. 5.5, 6.  
1. Consider that you were filthy vile wretched Creatures the worst of all excepting Devils. before the Lord Jesus Christ did cleanse and wash you, before his Righteousness covered you: Ezek. 16.14 first verses. Isa. 51.1. Rom. 3.9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, to the 20.  
2. Consider that you have deserved nothing but hell and wrath, or whatever may make you miserable.  
3. Consider that to be humble is to be like unto Jesus Christ himself, he that was and ever shall be Coequal with the Father, made himself of no reputation; how low did he stoop to exalt you. Phill. 2.5, 6, 7, 8. 1 Tim. 3.16. John 13.13, 14, 15.  
4. Consider that the more humble you are the more grace you shall have; God delights to fill the Humble with Wisdom, and knowledge; he will open secrets unto such: Psal. 25. 1 Pet. 5.5, 6.  
5. Consider that Humility is a great and glorious ornament to Religion; none can more honour the Gospel than an humble Christian, he is a shining blessed Christian; oh how doth humility commend religion unto others, even unto Saints and sinners. Math. 3.5.  
6. Consider that the more humble you are, the more communion you shall have with God; you will have more assisting Grace than others to keep you from backsliding; God will quickly take his leave of a proud person: but he loves tod well with him that is of a poor and of a contrite heart. Is. 57.15. Isa. 66.2. Psal. 138.6.  
7. Consider that you live upon free grace, God may take that from you that of his free Grace he hath given to you, if you forget him, and lift up yourselves with his mercies Math. 25.28 1 Pet. 5.5.  
8. Consider the great distance that there is between God and you, how infinitely great and glorious he is; he is glorious in holiness; fearful in praises; and you are poor nothing Creatures; poor worms: God may (if he please crush you in pieces, and give you no account why he doth so: Psal 5, 6.  
9 Consider that you cannot do any thing without him, you can neither hear nor pray, nor discourse without his w●sedome and strength, and therefore how little cause have you to be proud of yourselves 2 Cor. 3.5, 6. Rom. 26, 27.  
10. Consider that God requires and Commands you to walk humbly, what doth the Lord your God requires of you; the Prophet answers to walk humbly with your God, Mich. 6.8. Col. 3.12.  
10. LAbour to have, and to keep always a tender Conscience that the appearance of sin may make some impression on it; Conscience is an active stirring faculty; it will not be quiet if you give it liberty; if you do not offer violence to it: take heed my friends, you may soon get a seared sleepy Conscience; in a great measure; and know for certain, that if you stop the mouth of Conscience, you will also hinder the spirits workings, who worketh in and by Conscience; and if the Holy Ghost and your Consciences should once cease their operations, you may be suffered to run into sin, and so from sin to sin; for you have as it were, bound up the hands of your keepers: 2 Chron, 34.27. Act. 24.16 1 Tim. 1.5. Heb. 10.22.  
11. Take heed of taking the glorious and fearful name of God in vain; of using it commonly, and frequently, without fear and trembling; you will not use the name of some great men without some reverence and respect; consider what God hath spoken of Himself to his Creatures, to beget in them a holy fear and reverence; how ill the Lord hath taken it, that men speak so slightly, and carelessly of him, the Lord will not hold such a person guiltless that taketh his name in vain, that is, that speaketh of God in a common ordinary manner; Oh my friends, if you love the Great and Holy God, show your Love to him in being tender of his honour; never make mention of the name of God but with a self abhorring, but with a deliberate purpose to exalt and honour him; Oh my beloved, for the Lord Jesus Christ his sake, if ever you hope to see the face of the Holy God; I beseech you when you speak of God, or to him, do it with fear, reverence, and trembling. Exod 20.7. Deut 5.11. Deut. 28.58.  
13. Treasure up the word into your hearts, when and after you have heard it Preached unto you, one great reason why you do not grow faster in knowledge, in mortification, and holiness, is because you are (I am afraid) like unto the hearers that James speaks of, Jam. 1.23, 24. if ever you expect good by the word, you must take pains with your hearts before you hear, and when you are hearing; and after that you have heard, to consider what you have heard, to labour to have it turned into Grace, in every faculty of your souls, to hear for afterward: to search and see what advantage you may make of every Sermon you hear. 1 Cor. 15.2. Math. 13.18. to 24. Psal. 119.11.  
13. Labour to walk joyfully and cheerfully; a holy serious mirth, a spiritual rejoicing, is very commendable in a Saint; let your rejoicing be in God, not in yourselves; let it appear that Religion is a real thing; that you taste, and feel more sweetness and joy in the ways of God that you walk in, than others to do in their own ways.  
1. Consider that God hath promised it: he hath promised to make his servants joyful: to comfort and cheer their hearts. Oh you blessed of the Lord, make out to God the Father and Jesus Christ for much of it; Isa. 35.1, 2, 10. Isa. 56.7. Isa. 65.13, 14.  
2. Consider that the Lord commands you to rejoice: therefore labour to be joyful and cheerful in obedience unto the command of God, Phil. 4, 4. Psal. 97.12.  
3. Consider that Jesus Christ hath prayed for it: when Jesus Christ was about to take his leave of his friends, you know he made a long prayer to his Father, for his Servants and Friends, that he was to leave behind him in a persecuting world, and among other Petitions you have this, joh. 17.13. I come to thee Father, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.  
1. Be sure to call to mind, and to realize what once you were, and what you are now: you were once Children of wrath, and of the Devil, but now you are the sons and daughters of God, once the servants of sin, but now the servants of Christ. Eph. 2.1, 2, 4, 5. Tit. 3.3, 4, 5.  
2. Call to mind what great things Jesus Christ hath done for you, and what it hath cost him, to make heirs of eternal glory, Tit. 2.14. Rom. 5.8, 9  
3. Be often minding of your heavenly Father's Love, and free grace to you; how he continues still to love you, how his heart, and Christ's heart stands affected towards you, that he loves you really and hearty: joh. 3.16. 1 joh. 3.1.  
4. Remember your future estate, what you shall be, though now you have many heavy burdens on you, yet the time is coming that you shall be freed from all, and shall be partakers of the fullness of Christ's joy: you shall see him as he is; realize it to your own souls, that so your hearts may be affected greatly therewith: 1 joh. 3.2. Coll. 3.4. 2 Cor. 4.17. Revel. 2.10.  
14. TAke heed, that you give not place to distrustful unbelieving thoughts, and reasoning in a carnal manner, at any cross dispensations: you will then quickly fall into the commitment of other sins: you will murmur and repine against God: you will hinder your prayers acceptance, you will quickly weaken the hands of grace, if you give way to the raisings up of unbelief, and entertain it in your hearts, you will quickly ruin yourselves.  
1. Therefore to prevent it, consider that it is your duty to believe and not to entertain any distrustful thoughts of God; and God takes special notice of you, whether you be obedient unto him accordingly 1 Joh. 3.23. Isa. 26.4. Isa. 50.10.  
2. Consider that distrustfulness will grieve the Holy Ghost, he hath wrought faith in your hearts, and commands you to use it in order to the destroying of unbelief; and therefore now expects that you should believe, and reject all such wicked thoughts, Eph. 4.30.  
3. Consider how exceeding hurtful it will be to your souls, if it be not kept in subjection; it will hinder your spiritual comforts, and make you go sorrowful to your graves, and disinable you for all your work and service for God, Rom. 15.13.  
4. Consider what grounds you have to believe, what helps and encouragements you have; God's commands, his promises, his Oath, his faithfulness, power, goodness, mercy, and love, engaged for you, you have the Lord Jesus interceding for you in heaven with his merits: Rom. 1.17. Heb. 6.17 18. 1 Thes. 5.24. Rom. 8.34.  
15. Labour to be of lively, active, public spirits, let not the Devil's disciples be more lively and active for their Lord, than you are for Christ your Lord: do not give Jesus Christ cause to complain of you, that his adversary the Devil hath better servants than he: do not make Christ ashamed of you: 'tis a shame to Christ to have dead, lifeless members: when your hearts begin to flag, and to lose their activity, then go to him for life, who is the fountain of Life, joh. 10.10. Psal. 36 9 Isa 55.1.  
16. Labour to have always upon your hearts the alseeing eye of God, Consider that God sees all your thoughts, intentions, and all your contrivements, he pondereth all your ways: yea there is not a thought in your hearts, but he knoweth it altogether: Christians know that God doth very narrowly p●y into all your aims, and ends, more than into others; he loves the feet of his Saints: Oh my friends this will keep you from the entertaining of many idle thoughts, and vain words: from misspending of precious time: from sinful selfish aims and ends in what you do: it will be a means to make you walk warily, and circumspectly before God, Saints, and sinners; and prevent backsliding from God: Psal: 139.4. Prov. 5.21. Jer: 17.10.  
17. Labour to be much affected with God's favours to you, but especially with the God of the Favours, and mercies; and endeavour to be very thankful for them: for soul mercies, and bodily mercies; Labour to see the true and full worth of the mercies, that you enjoy; consider that you are less than the least of them; consider that all your enjoyments, all your mercies for your souls and bodies, are given to you upon a special account, they are new Covenant mercies; and the Lord Jesus hath purchased them for you: so long as you have a low esteem of mercies, you cannot be affectionately thankful for them: Oh redeeming mercy electing mercy; calling, converting mercy, confirming, and comforting mercies: Oh how great is persevering mercy; teaching, and soul strengthening mercies, oh your great Gospel mercies; your Ordinary mercy; your mercies of peace, health, and Liberty, which all of the Lords precious Saints in the world cannot enjoy, Math. 13.16, 17.  
18. Keep to the good way of God wherein you have walked, and wherein you have found God sweetly revealing of himself unto you; and take heed that you turn not aside to the right hand or to the left: Oh labour to be stayed, stable, strong Christians: take heed that you be not soon shaken in mind; for 'tis a good thing that your hearts be established with grace, let no man deceive you with vain words, and draw you back again from your faith and practice, to the old corrupt formal way of worshipping God again: Oh let not the flatteries, or frowns, or reproaches of men, though from your nearest relations, in the least measure, cause you to faint in your spirits, or cause you in the least, to decline from the ways of God; if any man draw bo●k (saith God) my soul shall have no pleasure in him: think not that you do not walk inthe ways of God because wicked men reproach you for so doing: no my brethren, but rather use it as an argument that you are in the way, because you are reproached by such men; Consider that so long as you walked as the world did, and there was no difference between you and them, they did not trouble you: Gods owning of you and visiting you so often; with such sweet expressions of love, should confirm you in your principles and walking; against all the Arguments of men, Eph. 4.14. Heb. 13.9. 2 Pet. 1.12. Gal 6.9. Heb. 12.3, 4, 5. joh. 15.18, 19  
19 Let all that you do, all your purposes and intentions, all your thoughts, and words, or as many as possble, be directed to exalt the name of God: When you hear the word preached hear for God: that you may be made more like unto him: that your hearts may be brought nearer unto him: that you may know more of his will, that you may do more, and so when you pray, or converse with the people of God, or with sinners, pray for to exalt and honour him; converse for God, labour in all your callings, and worldly businesses for God: you will lose all your Labour, cost, and pains, that you lay out, and spend in any good work, if you do not intent for God; and give it to him: 1 Cor. 10.31. Col. 3.23. Prov. 3.6.  
20. I beseech you in the last place, give diligent heed to these Rules, that you have promised to walk by: Labour to understand, to remember, and to practise every one of them; so fare as they are practical: oh beloved, your privileges are many and great, as you have oftentimes acknowledged to God: and therefore be sure that your duties are many and great: God having done more for you then for others, oh therefore be more wise, more holy, more circumspect, more loving, more fruitful, more diligent, and more faithful than others: oh labour to be more humble, more sincere, and more abounding in the work of the Lord. Oh my beloved friends in the Lord Jesus, how infinitely are you engaged to God, you own yourselves and all your enjoyments unto him; he hath kept back nothing from you that might do you good: he hath freely given his own Son, his holy spirit; oh rejoce in God and love, and fear, and honour him, think nothing too much that you can do to honour him, he was contriving and lying out his thoughts from all eternity about your salvation; contriving how to make you everlastingly honourable and happy: Consider my dear friends, you have but a few days to work and suffer here, you are drawing towards your rest, oh how blessed will you be if you shall continue steadfast, and unmovable in your walking with God unto the end; Oh my Friends keep close to God, & he will keep with you he will not departed from you, if you will not departed from him: 2 Cron. 15.2. your God and Father will delight to do you good: you may have the liberty to ask what you will and it shall be done; if good for you, oh fight strongly against your spiritual enemies: you must fight before you can overcome, before you can be crowned as conquerors even as Jesus Christ himself hath done for us, and before us: surely if we will be partakers with Christ in his Crown and Glory, we must first suffer and work with him Consider all the goodworkes that you shall perform in sincerity, for the glory of God, shall all be remembered at the last day, to the infinite and endless Joy and comfort of your souls; all your sufferings for Righteousness sake shall be abundantly rewarded: fear not little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you a Kingdom, your Lord and Saviour will shortly come and see you: he will fetch you home unto himself: when your enemies shall have that dreadful sentence, depart from me ye cursed, he will say to you come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom of Glory; now you that have followed me shall sit upon twelve Thrones Judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Then your enemies will be confounded and ashamed, than they shall bow and bend to you. Oh you that now suffer from your relations, you shall then be perfectly delivered, and separated from them: it will not then grieve your hearts to see them rebellious your natural affections shall then cease; you will be then wholly swallowed up in glorifying the blessed God, than all your tears shall be wiped away; your sorrow shall flee away; you shall be swallowed up of life: Oh how welcome will you be to Saints & Angels: Oh than you will a dmire free Grace: you will cry Grace, Grace, thou you shall have your hearts filled with love to God; then all your prayers, sighs, gro●ns, and tears shall be answered, than you shall rejoce without ceasing; than you shall be crowned with Glory and Honour and you shall never be reproached any more. Oh you beloved of God's soul; you shall never complain of a dead heart, any more. Never cry out of a hard heart, of a straightened narrow heart any more: then your hearts shall be enlarged: and you shall forever sing for joy of heart; oh therefore be willing to follow Christ a little while & he that shall come to put you into the full possession of your promised happiness will come; and will not tarry: unspeakably blessed shall you be if your blessed Saviour should come and find you so doing, which is the prayer of   
Your servant in the Gospel of Christ S. F.   


A short Preface touching the occasion of Printing-these following Rules.  
WHen I saw that the blessed God had by the Preaching of the glorious Gospel turned the hearts of many sinners from sin, unto himself; from resting on their own Righteousness: to an earnest enquiry after an interest in Christ's Righteousness: I was much pressed in Spirit to endeavour to bring the said Converts into Gospel's order: and accordingly shown that it was their duty and Privilege to enter into a Church state: and as soon as they heard that it was their duty, they waited on God by fasting, and prayer for wisdom and strength, to walk in that way that God had appointed them to walk in: and after they had spent many days in ask help of God: the Lord so satisfied their hearts as that they declared their desire to walk in that way that I had (through grace) made known unto them: and desire to be farther instructed in their duties in order thereunto: and also of their duties in a Church state, whereupon I wrote these following Rules: (which I judge to be according to the revealed will of God) and proposed them unto the said persons: who freely gave their consent and resolved to endeavour to the utmost of their abillities to walk by the said Rules. Now the Saints in their place being many: and all of them besides many of the Lords people that live in other places) desired to have the said Rules by them: (many of them not being able to read any man's writing) which could not be except their said Rules were printed: where fore being also exceedingly importuned by the Church, I thought good to have them printed: which I hope will be offensive to none: and profitable to many.   

Certain Scripture Rules, which jesus Christ hath given to his Churches to walk by: which are approved of, and consented to, by all the Members of the Church of Christ walking in Gospell-fellowship in Chippin-Norton.  
THE matter of a visible Church of Christ, are Visible Saints: such as in the Judgement of rational Charity according to the revealed will of God appear to be Saints Luke 22.14. Act. 1.15, 16. Act. 2.37. to the end. Act. 4.32. Act. 5.14. Act. 9.26, 27. Act. 8.37. Act. 14.22, 23. Rom. 1.7. 1 Cor. 1.2. 2 Cor. 1.1. Gal. 1.4. Eph. 1.1. Phil. 1.1. Coll. 1.2. 1 Thess. 1.1, 4. 2 Thess. 1.1, 2, 3. To these Scriptures may be added the Judgements of many Godly and learned divines, both Presbyterian and Independent, the Assembly in their confession of Faith, M. Hooker of new England; M. Cotton, M. Norton, M. Ainsworth, D. Owen, D. Goodwin, M. Jer. Burroughs, M. Nye, M. Bridges, M. Greenhill, M. Wellman, M. William Bartlet, M. Stuckly, M. Ch●shull, M. Palmer, and the Ministers that joined with him in Answering M Humph●ys Book, for free Admission, M. Robinson, and many more might be added to these.  
2. The formal cause of a visible Church of Christ, are Saints united in Gospel's order: For a certain number of true Believers walking at a distance from each other: and scattered up and down in a Town or Parish, living as strangers to each other, do not properly, and formally make a visible Church: but only such as walk together accoridng to Christ's appointment; so than that which gives being to a true visible Church of Christ: is, when seven or more Believers do freely and voluntarily give up themselves to each other, promising in the strength of God, to walk together in the same individual ordinances of Christ, and in the practice of the same duties according to the Gospel. Deut. 29.1, 9 2 Cor. 8.5. Gal. 2 9 N●h. 9 38. Neb. 10.1, 29. Josh. 24.21.28.  
3. For the Father's kniting of the hearts of all the members together in mutual love, which is the bond of perfectness among Saints: & also that they may perform all duties the more freely to each other: & for many other reasons it is needful, that all that at first imbody together, & all that afterwards shall be added, that they be satisfied in each others fitness to be Church members; upon such grounds as Paul & others in the primitive times did conclude, men's Sainiship from: they did not conclude that men were Saints, because they were not profane, but upon such grounds as these; that they did bring forth fruits of Righteousness; Phil. 1.1. compared with v. 11. that they did trade for Heaven's Phil 3.20. from such notes of true conversion, as they had in Act. 2.37. to the end: such as David speaks of in Psal. 15.1, 2. and Paul Rom. 8.1. who walked after the Spirit: and their Love unto, and delighting in the Saints Eph. 1.15. Psal. 15.4. also such grounds as we read of in 2 Cor. 7.10, 11. and such as waited for the coming of Jesus Christ, 1 Cor 1.7. which none but Saints can really do: by their understanding of spiritual things Spiritually: as such do understand whom God loves 1 Cor. 2.9, 10, 14. being such as had made a public profession of their subjection to Christ 2 Cor. 9.13. and also by their Sanctification, and Holiness 1 Cor. 6 11. by the fruits of their Faith they were known to be Saints, as Paul calls them upon that ground 1 Coll. 1.6. 1 Thess. 1.3 now upon these and the like grounds, we are to Judge charitably of men, and to conclude that they are Saints: though possibly some of them may be Hypocrites: and to receive them into fellowship as brethren: and to perform all offices of love towards them as members of Christ.  
4. Visible Saints being thus united together by mutual consent, they are now a true visible Church of Christ; according unto Christ's institution: such was the Church in Jerusalem Act. 1.4, 14, 15. Act. 2.42. to the end Act. 8.1. Act. 13.1. Act. 4.32.  
5. That the said Church hath sufficient power to choose the Officers that Christ hath appointed, and ordained to teach, and Rule the said Church; for Jesus Christ hath appointed and given to his Church Pastors & Teachers, and other Officers for the well being of his Church, & the said Church may call the said Officers to teach and rule her without the Officers or members of other Churches Act. 6.3. Eph. 4.11, 12, 13. 1 Chron. 29.20, 22. Act. 15.22. Act. 13.1, 2. Act. 11.22. 2 Cor. 8.19. Math. 16.18.  
6. That the Church should ask Council of God, by fasting and prayer to direct her in her choice, and to direct and bless the person or persons to be chosen to teach, and rule, her, as also to have knowledge of his or their holiness, and abilities for such a work, before the said Church choose them to teach and rule her Act. 14.23. Act. 6.6. Act. 1.24. Act. 13.  
7. The Officers that Jesus Christ hath appointed for, and given to his Churches are a Pastor, Teacher, Ruling Elders, Deacons, Eph. 4.11. 1 Tim. 5.17. Act. 6.3, 4, 5, 6. 1 Tim. 5. M. Hooker calls widows Officers, Survey part. 2. pag. 4.32. M. Cotton calls them Assistants: Way of the Churches, pag. 39  
8. That a Pastor, Teacher or any other of the said Officers; have Authority and power from Christ, and the choice and call of the Church; and ordained according to the Gospel's Rule, to officiate in and to exercise the office of a Pastor etc. in and over the said Church, for Christ hath given them their power, and the Church hath called them to exercise it in the said Church, Eph. 4.11, 12. Act. 20 28 1 Pet. 5.2.  
9 That a Pastor etc. so Authorised and chosen by Christ and his Church, hath power only to reach and officiate as Officers in the Church that hath chosen them, although the said Pastors and Teachers may preach in other Churches, and places a● gifted men Act. 20.28. 1 Pet. 5. ●.  
10. That a Church so ●onstiruted according to the mind of Christ, is not subject to any other church upon earth; She hath no Lawgiver but Jesus Christ; no head or Rule● but Jesus Christ, as a Church, Ma●. 9.35. Mat. 16.18.  
11. That the said Church may desire the assistence of other Churches in difficult cases; which cannot be determined by the Church; and the Church should submit to their determinations if consonant to the mind of Christ Act. 15.1, to the 30.  
12. That when any persons are desirous to join themselves to he Church; the said persons should first make known their desires to the Pastor or Elders, (if the Church hath any) and that the said persons do satisfy the Pastor some way or other of their fitness to be received into the said Church: Act. 8.30, to 37. Math. 3.6. 1 Pet. 3.15.  
13. That if the Pastor or Elder be satisfied in the fitness and qualification of the said persons desiring admission; that then the said Pastor or Elder is to propose the said persons to the Church at their next meeting.  
14. That all the members of the said Church that shall be present when a person is to be received into the Church; are upon Scripture grounds to be satisfied in the fitness and worthiness of the person then to be admitted; & also to give their free consent to the persons admission; and also in the censuring, suspending, and excommunicating of an offending member; Act. 15 22, 23, 25. 1 Cor. 5.4, 5. Act. 9.26, 27. unless such as are unsatisfyed shall give convincing reasons why he ought not to be admitted; in a short time the major part of the Church ought to admit the said person  
15. That not a bare profession, and form of Godliness be adjudged a sufficient qualification for a Church member, without the fruits of the power of Godliness T●●: 1 16. 2 Tim: 3.5. Math: 3.7, 8, 9 Act: 8.37.  
16. That in case any member of the Church be unsatisfied in the person proposed for admission, that then the said member endeavour privately to be satlsfied as soon as possible: but in case satisfaction cannot be obtained, that then the said Member, is to give the grounds and reasons of his non satisfaction to the Pastor, or Elder, and to no other person excepting him of whom he desires satisfaction: or the Church shall call him so to do, lest it should prove prejudicial to the said person. Math: 18.15, 17.  
17. That ordinary and common infirmities incident both to weak and strong Saints are not to be sufficient grounds for to suspend any person's admission, or to censure any member that shall be admitted: provided, that the said persons in the general course of their lives walk as becomes the Gospel. 1 Cor: 5.1.11. Gal. 6.1, 2.  
18. That such persons as through modesty, or want of the gift of utterance, cannot by word of mouth declare the deal of God with them to the satisfaction of the Church, that then the said persons have Iberty to give satisfaction to the Church in writing, or otherwise.  
19 That every member do quietly and patiently, submit to the judgement and determination of the Church, if agreeable to the word of God in any case, that shall be determined by the Church, concerning any particular member thereof, Heb. 13.17. Act. 15 1 Cor. 5.  
20. That if upon due trial of Persons desiring admission, the Church may gather by their words or works, that they have the saving work of grace wrought in their hearts (at least probably) though but as a grain of Mustard seed: if they have a competent measure of knowledge, the said persons ought to be admitted, notwithstanding they are but weak in grace, in comparison of other men; Rem: 14.1. Rem: 15.1. Act: 2.37 to end. 1 Cor: 3.2, 3.  
21 That if the Persons that desire admission shall be found unworthy, they should be desired to forbear until they shall be found worthy; Math: 3.7, 8 9 Act 9.26, 27.  
22 That all such persons as are admitted members of the Church, their Children also ought to be accounted and received members of the same Church, and their Membership to be confirmed by Baptism; Act: 2.38, 39 1 Cor. 7.17. Gen. 17.1 to 15.  
23 That if any Member of the Church shall offend, and persist in the practice of the sin after reproof first by one Member; secondly by two or three; that then the said offendor is to be brought before the Church, and his sin laid open to the Pastor, by the persons that have dealt with him more privately, and the Pastor is to acquaint the Church, and the Church is to labour to convince him, and to bring him to the sight of his sin, and if possible to repentance; and it; case he will not hear the Church, and express his repentance, that then the said Member is to be suspended, or cast out of the Church; and that all the Members present should give their consent thereunto; Math: 18 17. Num. 15.30, 31. Num. 19.13, 20. Ezra 10.8. 1 Cor. 5.4, 5. 2 Cor. 2.6. but in case some few Members should refuse to give their consent, to the suspending or excommunicating the said offendor, without giving the Church convincing reasons for their refusal; the major part may suspend or cast him out.  
24. That in case any person fearing God, shall desire to join with the Church, but through weakness of judgement, and want of light in these things cannot be fully satisfied in some circumstance used and practised in the Church; and yet the said person be willing to walk in Gospel's Fellowship with them in all other things: he ought to be admitted into the Church: provided it may not apparently tond to make a breach in the said Church: Rom. 14.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Rom. 15. 1 Cor. 8.    

More Particular Practical Rules For walking in Church fellowship.  
THat all endeavour to the utmost of their power and abilities (especially by their practice) to set up and maintain all the ordinances of Christ, that he hath given to his Church, for his own Glory, and his Church's edification and comfort; Zach. 14.17, 18. Jos. 24.15. Deut. 6 7. Eph. 6. Ge●. 18 19  
1. Public and Private prayer, which are Gods holy appointments for to convey Grace into the hearts of his Saints, Luke 21.36. Acts 1.24. Acts 4 41. Mark 6, 6.  
2. Preaching and hearing the word, publicly or privately, these are Gods Ordinances; Prov. 8.34. Act. 18 28 Act. 20.20 Isa. 55.3.  
3. Singing of Psolmes and Hymen's and Spiritual Songs, Math. 26 30. Eph. 5.19. Coll. 3 16 Jam. 5.13.  
4. Conferences one with another, is an Ordinance of Jesus Christ, 1 Thes. 5.11. Heb. 10.24, 25. Judas 20.  
5. That Jesus Christ will have particular Churches until his second coming, and therefore 'tis the duty of all Saints in their places and capacities, to help to set up, and uphold this Ordinance and appointment of Jesus Christ, Rom. 16.4, 16. 1 Cor. 7.17. 1 Cor. 11.16. Gal. 1.2. Rev. 1.11. Rev. 2.7. Rev. 22.16.  
6. Baptism, and the Lords Supper, are God's Ordinances, and they are appointed to be signs and Seals of the Covenant of Grace, between God the Father, Son, and Believers, Math. 28.19. 1 Cor. 11.23.  
7. The Ministry is an Ordinance of Jesus Christ, and to continue in the Church unto the end of the World; and therefore all should endeavour to set up, and to vindicate Christ's Ministers, and their Ministry, as much as they can; Eph. 4.11, 12, 13. 1 Tim. 5.17. Heb. 13 17. as an ordinance of Christ.  
2. that all do endeavour to grow in grace, and to be spiritual Saints, such as may worship God in Spirit and in Truth, and walk spiritually before Saints and sinners, that they may commend Religion unto others by their spirituality: for God hath promised that such as are planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish, and go from strength to strength in Zion, Psal. 92.13. Psal. 84.7. you should labour to be spiritual in all places, in all companies, and in all businesses, in your words and deportments, joh. 4.24. 1 Cor. 3.1, 2.3. Gal. 6.2.  
3. It is the duty of all, to labour and endeavour to obtain so much wisdom, and spiritual understanding as is possible, in spiritual things; that so they may be able to serve God, and worship him according unto his will: that they may not be soon shaken in mind, and tossed to and fro with every wind of Doctrine; but that they may be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgement in the truth: Coll. 1.9. Eph. 4.12, 13. Eph. 3 18.19.  
4. That all do labour after a great measure of Faith, that they may be able to trust God in times of trial; and not dispond, and be dejected at every providence that thwarts sense and reason; but to be able to cast themselves on the free grace, mercy, faithfulness, wisdom, power, and Love of God in Christ: and to give him all the glory of his dispensations: the contrary renders Religion odious and unpleasant; 2 Pet. 3 18. Eph. 6.9. to 18 Eph. 4.15.  
5. That all the members of the said Church, do endeavour faithfully, according to their abilities and opportunities, to perform such duties as they own to each other in their relations; whether as Saints, and members of Christ's body; or a● Men; and so as Parents or Children or Husbands, etc. Rom. 13.8. or as Officers that teach or rule, or as private members, that are taught and ruled.  
1. A Past●r is to attend upon Preaching the word in season, and out of season; and to administer the Sacraments; to answer objections doubts and scruples; to the study of the word; to maintain and defend the Truths he Preaches: to waith over the flock: to protect them from wrong as much as he can: all which he i● to do as a Pastor of his own flock only; and he is to manage matters in the Church, that concerns the well ordering of it, 1 Cor. 12.28. Rom 12.6, 7, 8 Luk 22. Act. 20.11. 2 Cor. 1.4. Mal. 2.7. 1 T●m. 4.13, 14. 2 Tim. 2.15. 'tis 1.9. 1 Pet. 5.2,  
2. The du●y of the Members to their Pastor; first to provide for him: for his subsistence, and comfortable being: that he may not be entangled with the affairs of this life; but that he may wholly give up himself to the work of the Lord, 1 Tim. 4.15. and discharge the trust committed to him, Gal. 6, 6, 7, 8. Rom: 15.27. 1 Cor. 9.7 to 15.  
2. Not to receive an accusation against him under two or three with witnesses, 1 Tim. 5.1, 19  
3. To give him that Love and respect that is due to him and no more; to be careful not to give him that honour that is due only to God; or to refuse to give him that which God commands them freely to give unto him, 1 Thes: 5.12, 13. 1 Tim: 5.17. Heb: 13 17.  
4. To attend upon his Ministry, as they have opportunity both in private and public, Act: 2.42.  
5. And in a special manner to pray for him, that God may bless him in his studies: that God may direct him to Preach such truths as may by the blessing of God be most advantageous and profitable to Saints, and sinners: and that God may give him the door of utterance, that he may speak the Word with boldness and clearness: that he may give to every one his portion: that he may be able to divide the word aright; that he may be led into all truth; that he may be very successful in the turning of many sinners to God, 1 Thes. 5.25. Heb. 13.18. Act. 12.5. 2 Cor. 1.11. Phil. 1.19. Rom. 15.30. Eph. 6.18, 19 The duties of Members to each other, and towards all men.  
6. The Members are commanded to Love each other truly and hearty without dissimulation: in deed and in truth, Eph. 5.2. 1 Thes. 3.12. joh. 13.34. Rom. 12.9.  
7. All the Members should have a watchful eye over each other, that they may keep each other from sin; and if fallen into any sin to hasten their deliverance. 1 Thes 5.6. 1 Cor: 12.25.  
8. Not to speak evil or to backbite one another, 2 Cor. 12.20. Jam. 4.15.  
9 They must be careful not to declare the faults of one another: to each other, before they have lovingly and deliberately informed the Brother or Sister that hath offended, of his or her faults, and endeavoured to convince him: and not then, but in case of obstinacy; Math. 18.17. 2 Cor: 12.20.  
10. They must not bear any grudge or envy in their hearts against any Member, whether upon any evil reports of them, or upon any wrong received from them, 1 Pet. 2.1. Levit: 19.18. jam. 5.9.  
11 They must honour each other, as God hath commanded them, and that in sincerity and in truth, Rom: 12.10.  
12 That they provoke and exhort one another, to the diligent practice of their duty toward God and all men, Heb: 10.24, 25. Heb: 3.13.  
13 That they inform, reprove, and admonish one another when there is occasion, Rom: 15.14. Col: 3.16. Eph: 5.11.  
14 To supply the wants of one another: if any Member shall stand in need of subsistence: according unto every Members abilities, they ought to communicate unto him, Rom: 12.13. 1 Tim: 6.18. 1 Pet: 4.10.  
15 That none suffer sin to lie on his Brother, and connive and wink at it: but immediately if possible to discover it unto him, Levit. 19.17. Math. 18.15, 16. Gal. 6.1, 2, 3, 4.  
16. That every Member is commanded by God to Pray for each other: and that frequently, hearty, and fervently, especially for such as lie under any affliction, or temptation either in Soul or Body, Jam. 5.16. Act. 12.5.  
17. They ought to comfort each other, with the comforts wherewith they have been comforted of God; to comfort each other with their Father's promises to them; with the mediation of Jesus Christ, the great honour that God hath put upon his people; and the hopes of their future happiness etc. 1 Thes: 4 18. 2 Thes. 5.14.  
18. It is their duty to teach, and to Instruct one another; the eye may help the hand, and the hand the eye; the foot may and aught to be helpful to the head, 1 Cor: 12.15. 1 Thes. 5.11. 2 Col. 16.  
19 To rejoice with such as do rejoice; and weep with such as weep; to have a fellow feeling of each others mercies and troubles; to have a sympathising heart, hand, and eye, towards each other, as fellow members of the same body, Rom: 12.15.  
20. That all such Members as have Families, aught to set up the worship of God in them, and not only the form of Divine worship, but the power, and spirituality of it: to instruct those that are under their charge, Gen: 18.19. Deut: 6.7. john 24.15. Jer: 10.25. Eph: 5.4. Ioh: 4.23, 24.  
21. That they ought constantly to attend on all the Ordinances of God, at all times; except some extraordinary occasions hinder, both publicly and privately; Prov. 8.34. Mal. 3.16. Heb: 10.24, 25. Rom. 14.19.  
22. That all aught to endeavour to walk inoffensively, giving no offence to Jew nor Gentile, nor to the Church of God; labouring to walk wisely towards them that are without, as that you may through the grace of God, thereby possess them with good thoughts of jesus Christ, of his ways and People: and also that every member endeavour to preserve the Peace and privileges of the Church; and of every member thereof, Eph. 4.1 to 6. 1 Ioh: 3.11 to end. Col: 3.12, 15. Phil: 2.1 6. Gal: 6.1.  
23. That all aught quietly, and patiently, to submit to the Powers that God hath by his providence set over them, and obey all their lawful commands willingly: the contrary is hateful in the sight of God, what ever men may pretend for railing against, or opposing of them, 2 Pet. 2.10, 11, 12. jude 8.9, 10. Act: 23.5. Rom: 13.1, 2, 3, 4, 5.  
24. That all aught to avoid the company of erronrous persons, as much as hey can; especially such persons as hold any dangerous Tenants; and make it their business to vent them unto others, Rom. 16.17. 1 Tim. 6.5.  
25. That they walk humbly, and seriously before their fellow Members; and before all men, as much as in them lieth, jam. 4.6. 1 Pet. 5.5. Act. 20.19. Eph. 4.29, 30. Eph. 5.4.  
26. That all endeavour to preserve the purity of the Church; and not by any means to endeavour either privately or publicly, the admission of any unworthy person; although their nearest relation, 1 Tym. 5.26. 1 Cor. 3.16, 17. 1 Cor. 6.15.19. 2 Cor. 6.14, 15, 16, 17.  
27. That if any Member of the said Church, shall here or know of any Scandal, or ill report of a person desiring admission into the Church; that then the said Member, inquire into the truth of it; and in case the said person be found guilty; the said Member should inform the Pastor of it; and the person should be suspended until he hath repent, and declared his repentance to the Church, 1 Cor. 5. 2 Cor. 2.  
28 That in case any member of the said Church, shall be cast out of the Church for Scandal; and the said person shall repent afterward: and manifest so much to the satisfaction of the Church: and shall desire to be admitted again into the Church; he ought to be received again into Communion, with all love and tenderness, 2 Cor. 2.6, 7, 8, 9 1 Cor. 5.  
29. That all such as sin openly, should be openly, speedily, and severely reproved, and proceeded against according unto the word of Christ, 1 Tim: 5.20, 25. 1 Cor. 5. Math: 18.15, 16.  
30. That as the Church increases, need requires, and persons are found fit: other Officers be chosen by the Pastor, and all the members of the Church then present when any Officer is to be chosen; Act. 6.2, 3, 4. 1 Cor. 12.28.  
31. That all the members ought to be diligent in some honest calling; that so they may be useful in their generations: and not chargeable to others: and that they may stop the mouths of their Adversaries; in case the said members shall be able Eph. 4.28. 1 Tim. 5.10. 2 Thess. 3.6.10.16.  
32. That all in a special manner do discharge the duties that they own unto their Relations; which God hath commanded to be carefully performed by all both superiors, and inferiors, as husbands to their wives, Eph. 5.25. Wives to their Husbands, Eph. 5.33. Parents to Children Eph. 6.4. Children to Parents, Eph. 6.1, 2. Magistrates to the People, Rom. 13.4. People to their Magistrates, Rom. 13.4. Masters to their Servants, Col. 4.1. Servants to their Masters, Eph. 6.5.  
33. That all should really, and heatily intent, what they shall at any time profess to each other, or any that are without, whither Saints or Sinners: as expressions of their Love to them; by their words to take heed that their hairs, and tongues go together, without all dissimulation, or the world's compliments Rom, 12.9. Coll. 3.23. 1 Pet. 1.22. Eph. 6.5. Rom. 9.2. 2 Cor. 5.12.  
34, That all the members be careful to avoid as much as they can the Company of wicked men especially in any thing that is not of good report, or may be an offence unto any godly person 2 Chron. 18.1, 3. 1 Cor. 5.17. Psal. 110.7.  
35. That all endeavour to hold forth the power and life of Godliness before others to manifest the Spirituality of their profession; to take heed and beware of a formal, dead, sapless profession; which may predice the minds of men against the ways of God, Phill. chap. 1. v. 27. 1 Pet. 3.1.  
26, That no member withdraw Communion from the said Church, until the said member hath given convincing reasons for his, or her withdrawing; why he cannot hold communion with the said Church, Heb. 10.24, 25. Heb, 3.13  
37 That if at any time any member or members of other true Churches that walk in Gospel's order shall be recommended to the said church by the Pastor or other Officers of the said Churches, and the said persons so recommended shall desire to partake of all God's Ordinannces with the Church that then the said Church ought to admit them into Communion provided they be not scandalous or ignorant, Rom: 16.1.  
38 That if any member shall desire a dismission from the said Church: to join with another Church of Christ walking in Gospel's order: and it shall upon trial appear to be for the advantage of his soul: or the conveniency of its habitation, as being nearer that Church that he is to be a member of: that then the said person ought to have a free dismission.  
39 That every member endeavour to avoid bitterness of Spirit, or bitter railing words, towards such persons as do not walk in the same way, and order with them waiting for, and endeavouring by all good means, Loving and winning deportments, and arguments, to convince them of their errors; provided they be holy serious persons in appearance at least, Eph: chap: 4. v. 31. 2 Tim. 2.25. Phill. 3.15.  
40 That every member in his place and capacity do endeavour to promote the interest of Christ in the world: by praying or by any other lawful means Math: 6.10.  
41 That all should be very sparing in judging such persons as do differ from them (or the way wherein the said Church walks) to be no true Saints knowing that they stand or fall to their own master and that they must give an account of themselves to God: provided they are otherwise sober, Spiritual and humble men Rom: 14.10. Math: 7.1.  
42 That every particular member should seek the weal and happiness of his fellow member as his own: all should look at one another's wealth: Phil. 2.4, 5, 6. 1 Pet. 4.10, 11. 1 Cor. 10.24.  
43. That every member should patiently submit unto and receive with thankfulness all Reproofs, Instructions, Council, Admonition, or exhortations from any member of the said Church: Heb. 13.17. Coll. 3.16. Tit. 3.10.  
44. That all endeavour to improve all their privileges for the Glory of God: and to peforme every duty to God with the more Strength, wisdom and comfort: and also for the Comfort and edification of each other: Eph. 1.12. 1 Cor. 10.31. 1 Cor. 14.31.  
45. That all Children that shall be baptised in the Church are to be accounted members of the same Church; until they shall justly deprive themselves by scandal or otherwise; for of such is the Kingdom of God Mark. 10.14 15, 16.  
46. That so long as the said Children shall continue members of the said Church, the Church ought to take care of them as fellow members; to pray for them and to further by all good means their eternal Salvation in an especial manner Gol. 6.10.  
47. That Rich, and Poor walk together as fellow members of Christ; as brethren and sisters, without patiality, and having respect to some persons because they are rich; or disrespecting others because they are poor, Jam. 2.1, 6.  
48. That all should greatly humble themselves and mourn before the Lord for their upholding of corruption and complying with the abominable practices of men for the worship of God; and so have thereby profaned the Lords holy Ordinances, and exposed them to contempt; and caused many to desert and cast them off as vain things, because they saw no distinction made between the precious and the vile; but dogs and children eat together as fellow heirs of Heaven; and God being thereby greatly dishonoured was pleased to withdraw his presence from them; in so much that many gracious hearts have said that they never meet with any soul comforting or soul quickening presence of God in receiving the Lords supper with a mixed multitude; but as soon as they came out from among them their herats were filled with his presence. Ezechiel 22.26. Ezechiel 44.5, 10. Jerem. 15.19. 2 Cor. 6.17.  
49. That all endeavour to perform all their lawful promises that they shall at any time make to Believers or unbelievers; and so to do to, and deal with others, as they would have others do to them, or deal with them: Psal 15.4. Math. 7.12.  
50. That all labour and endeavour to present sin in themselves, and in others: to keep each other from the commitment of sin: to endeavour the destruction of each others Lusts: and to study wherein they may be furtherers of one another's joy: and when they have found out their duty: accordingly to practise it, Heb. 3.12, 13. Heb. 10.24, 25, 26. Phil. 4.3.   
FINIS.  

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