THE Mutual Duties OF Elders and People.  
Delivered in a DISCOURSE AT Beckles in Suffolk, Octob. 13. 1697.  
At the setting apart of Mr. John Killinghal, to the Office of an Elder, over a Church of Christ there.  
By John Stackhouse, Elder of a Church of Christ in NORWICH.  
LONDON, Printed by Tho. Snowden, for Edward Giles, Bookseller in Norwich, near the Marketplace, 1698.   

To the READDR.  
THis Sermon was preached upon a special occasion, at the setting apart of an Elder over a Church of Christ; the Elders of the Churches, and the People there present, did earnestly desire our Reverend Brother to print his Sermon, they were so affected with it; and so they might well be: The Sermon is so Judicious, so Quick, and Powerful, that I hope the Lord will make it of great Use to many.  
Here you have the Duties of Ministers and People, set forth so excellently, and fully, that those that read this Sermon will see, That this Servant of Christ is mightily in the Scriptures, an able Minister of the New Testament, and full of the Knowledge of the Lord.  
When I read over this Sermon as it was written, by one that took it in Shorthand, I encouraged the Author all that I could, to satisfy the Desires of those that were so earnest for the printing of it. I have often in public and in private praised God for the Grace and Gifts bestowed, upon this Reverend Brother; and now that I am old, and under such great Pains, walking in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, it is a great satisfaction to me, to leave this Church of Christ with one so able, and faithful to take Care of them. The Lord continue his Life, and Strength, pour out of his Spirit upon him more and more; and grant that the Congregation may esteem him highly for his Works sake; and be at Peace amongst themselves; which is my hearts Desire, and Prayer of,  
Martin Fynch. Decemb. 27. 1697.   

To my Dear and Reverend Brethren, in the Work of the Gospel, who desired the Printing of this Sermon.  
WHether you may like this Sermon in reading it, as well as you did in hearing it, I (who am conscious of the meanness of it) should greatly doubt, if I were not well satisfied concerning your Love and Candour. My design and desire was therein (as it is in all my weak Labours) to profit, more than to please; and the profit of many was, I believe, your aim and hope in pressing me to the Publication thereof; I have therefore yielded, that your Request should overrule my own Averseness to the Press.  
The Text discoursed on led me to speak of so many several Particulars, that they could not be fully discussed by me in one Discourse, (tho' long enough for the Occasion.) What I have briefly hinted to explain, how Elders are over the Church, I have read more largely declared, in the Writings of Dr. Owen, Dr. Goodwin, and others, (as I suppose you also have) where such as desire more full satisfaction, concerning that, or other Points, may find it; I follow them so far, as I understand they follow the Word of God, the only infallible Rule. Now that the Father of Lights, and the God of all Grace, would teach Us, and the several Churches of Christ, over which he hath set us, so to walk, as is here plainly declared; and much more abundantly, according to his Holy Word; and that he would strengthen our Hands in his great Work, against all Discouragements, and that the Word of the Gospel may greatly prevail, and that this mean Discourse may be somewhat subservient thereunto, is the earnest Prayer of,  
Dear and Reverend Brethren, Your Brother and Companion, in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ, (though most unworthy,) J. STACKHOUSE. Norwich, Dec. 17. 1697.   

The Mutual Duties of Elders and People.  1 Thessaly. V 12, 13. And we beseech you, Brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in Love for their Works sake. And be at Peace among yourselves. 
THE Exhortation is very suitable, and seasonable for you now; and, Oh! that the Spirit of God would set it home upon your Hearts; the Light of the Spirit is a more powerful Teaching, than the Words of a poor Worm.  
Above other places it pleased God that the Gospel preached had a very sudden and great success at Thessalonica, a chief City in Macedonia: You read in Acts 17. That Paul Preaching to them three Sabbath days, some Jews, and many Greeks, and devout Women, not a few, were converted: And a Church was gathered, (for so he directs both these Epistles, Unto the Church of the Thessalonians,) and Officers were set over them, as appears from the Text. And because they received the Word of God with much affliction, the Apostle was very solicitous for 
Chap. 1. v. 6●.  them, and he sent Timothy from Athens, that he might establish them; and comfort them, that they might not be moved by their afflictions, Chap. 3. ver. 2, 3. And upon Timothy's return, he wrote from Corinth this first Epistle, and afterwards the second Epistle, and all within the compass of the first Year of his Preaching to them. Having in this Epistle declared the Truths of the Gospel to them, and variously instructed them, he comes to exhort them to those Duties, that might make their Communion comfortable and edifying, Chap. 5. v. 11. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do: He would have them to consider those comfortable Truths, and to observe those holy Precepts which he had laid down in this Epistle, and so to comfort and edify one another; and he urgeth it, and encourageth them thereunto, by commending them, that already they did so practise, and that therefore they ought to abound yet more and more. All Exhortation doth not imply a Reproof, as if People did not do what they are exhorted to, but that they should yet abound more and more.  
Hereunto he adds in the Text, an Exhortation to these necessary Duties that they owed to them that were over them, their Pastors or Teachers; for howsoever careful they might be in the discharge of those Christian Duties of mutual Exhortation and Comfort, yet they must not think their Ministers needless. Brethren are to watch over one another, and exhort and comfort one another in a way of Love; but Elders do it in the Authority of Christ, as sent by him; and as you may expect God's gracious Blessing upon your admonishing, and comforting one another, so much more may you expect it from the Ministry of them that are set over you, Heb. 10. 24, 25. Let us consider one another, to provoke unto love, and to good works; this is the Duty of every particular Member of the Church; but than it follows, not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together. Every Servant must watch over one another, that nothing be done contrary to the Master's Will and Interest; but the chief Steward does it with Authority. Christ will not have his Children fed only with uncertain and slender Supplies, from their Brethren, to whom he doth vouchsafe Spiritual Gifts; which, as there is occasion, they must make manifest for the profiting of others; but he doth also appoint such as should give every one their portion of Meat in due season; that shall preach the Word in season, and out of season; that shall give themselves wholly to those Things, and make it their main Business whilst they live. Christian love and faithfulness in exhorting one another, should help forward the Work of the Ministers, and not tempt any to despise them that are set over them, as useless. So much for the Connexion, it being joined by the copulative Particle, and.  
In the Text observe, First, A loving and earnest Compellation, we beseech you Brethren; and oh that we could at this time so beseech you, as that we might prevail.  
Secondly, You have a description of the Persons, to whom the Duties, mentioned in the Text, are to be performed.  
1. They are described from their Work, they labour among you, they labour in the Word and Doctrine chief. So in 1 Tim. 5. 17. They labour among you. The Greek may be rendered in 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  you; they labour in you, as a Builder labours in the House that he buildeth, they labour in your Hearts and Souls. That (Beloved) is our desire, and the end of all our Labour, to make suitable impressions of the Word of God upon your Souls, by the power of the Spirit accompanying our Labours, that we might be able to say as the Apostle does, 1 Cor. 9 1. Ye are our Work in the Lord.  
2. You have their Dignity: They are set over you; that is, To rule you, and govern you, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, such as stand before you, (that is the first signification of the word) such as do excel you, or that rule you. So the word is rendered, 1 Tim. 3. 4, 5. One that Ruleth well his own House, having his Children in subjection with all gravity; for if a Man know not how to Rule his own House, how shall he take care of the Church of God? The same word, in both Verses, is rendered to Rule, which in the Text is rendered by being over. Tho' it is not so absolute a Rule, as the Rule of a Father is in his Family, yet it does import somewhat of ordering and governing; he that knows not how to rule his own House, how shall he take care of the Church of God? The Elder is not a mute Person in the Church of God; but as a Father hath more to do to order his Family, than any other person hath in the Family, so the Elder hath more to do to order the Church, than any private Brother hath.  
And unto this the Apostle doth subjoin a limitation, it is in the Lord; it is not a Civil Dominion, but it is a Spiritual Rule, it is according to the Lord's Institution and Laws, it is in his Name and Authority, and it is for his Glory only; it is in the Things that belong to Religion, and the Worship of the Lord.  
Thirdly, These Persons are described from one special instance of their Work, they admonish you.  
The third Particular is the Duty of the People to their Ministers; and the manner of proposing it, doth carry great enforcement to it; they to whom these Duties are to be performed, being so described as before, there is great Evidence that those Duties must be performed to them.  
I. They must know them: Now to know doth signify more than barely the being acquainted with them, and giving them an opportunity of being acquainted with you, (tho' some Church-Members are very much guilty of neglecting that) and it implies more than barely to know their Gifts; for, according to the Hebrew Phrase, words of Sense do connote the Affections and the Effects thereof: As not knowing signifies neglecting, as it was spoken to Christ, in Isaiah 55. 5. Thou shalt call a Nation that thou knowest not, whom thou hadst neglected for so many Ages. Acts 14. 16. and 17. 30. as the poor Gentiles were neglected. So,  
1. Knowing doth signify, First, acknowledging them to be such as they are, and should be accounted by you to be. So 1 Cor. 16. 18. Acknowledge ye them that are such; acknowledge them, own them. I will not know a wicked person, saith the Psalmist, Psalm 101. 4. He explains it in the 6th Verse; He shall not stay within my House, I will not own him for my Servant. There arose a King in Israel that knew not Joseph; surely Joseph, and his Benefits that he had procured to Egypt, and the Kings thereof, could not be forgotten in fifty Years time; but he would not own that he was any way obliged to the Memory of Joseph, to show Kindness to his Posterity, and Kindred; but he used them cruelly: Thus also I understand that in Acts 23. 5. I knew him not to be God's high priest; I did not own him, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  and acknowledge him, to be God's Highpriest, he being but a base Intruder, and the Office itself being determined by the Sacrifice of our great Highpriest Jesus Christ, who hath accomplished all that was tipified by that Office, which was now become nothing but a matter of Traffic for Gain, and worldly Grandeur.  
2. Know them; that is, mind them, and consider them; as in that passionate Lamentation of our Redeemer over Jerusalem, Luke 19 42. Oh that thou hadst known in this thy day, the things that belong to thy peace. That is, Oh that thou hadst minded them, and hadst considered them: So Paul knowing that one part of the Counsel were Pharisees, and the other Sadduces; 
Acts 23. 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  that is, considering it.  
3. Knowing imports caring, and providing for them: Lord, what is Man that thou takest knowledge of him? Psalm 144. 3. that thou dost care for him, or provide for him. The righteous man regardeth the life of his beast, Prov. 12. 10. In the Hebrew 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  it is, he knows it; and much more should you regard the Life of your Elders.  
4. Knowing imports loving; the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous, Psalm 1. 6. Depart from me, I know you not, Matth. 7. 23. If any man love God, the same is known of God, 1 Cor. 8. 3. i e. If any Man love God, the same is beloved of God; for we love him, because he first loved us. That is the first Duty; you must know them, you must acknowledge them, you must mind and consider them, and what they say; you must care and provide for them, and love them.  
II. But, Secondly, You must esteem them very highly, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, superabundantly; Oh be not afraid that you should abound too much in your esteeming them.  
III. And, Thirdly, You must love them, esteem them highly in love; hereunto is added the true Motive of your esteeming them, and loving them; that is, for their Works sake. That is the third part of the Text, the Duties that are required from the People to their Ministers.  
iv He exhorts to another Duty; that is, that they should be at Peace one with another, and with their Elders: It seems to have connexion with the former Duties, either as an effect, and then you must understand it thus; in your conscientious knowing, esteeming, and loving your Elders, your mutual Peace will be best maintained and preserved: But if any do despise their Elders, Schism and Division will presently arise. Or else this, Be at Peace among yourselves, may be joined to the former as a means, and then you may understand it thus, mutual Peace will help you to carry it to your Elders according to your Duty; but if you are divided one from another, you will fail in your Duty to your Elders, and quarrel with them also. From these Verses I propose these Points of Doctrine to you.  
I. That such as are set over a Church of Christ, must labour among them, and admonish them.  
II. That it is the Duty of the whole Church, and of every particular Member of the Church, to know, esteem, and love, most abundantly, them that are over them, in the Lord.  
III. That the Elder's faithfully attending to his Work and the People's conscientious discharge of their Duty to their Elder, and mutual Peace, are strictly joined together.  
I will make what haste I can, a little to open, and apply these Doctrines to you.  
Doct. I. That such as are set over a Church of Christ, must labour among them, and admonish them.  
Give me leave to open unto you their Dignity and their Duty, and so to apply it.  
I. For their Dignity. First, They are set over a Church. Secondly, In the Lord.  
1. They are set over a Church of Christ; we are not set over many Churches, but each over that particular Church where Christ doth place us; it is an human Device to set one Man over many Churches; but Elders are over particular Churches: And in the right Execution of their Office, and the Duties of their Office, they are over the whole Church, and every Member thereof, tho' as to their Persons they may be under them. As Luther said, In regard of my Person I will fall down before any Man; but in regard of the Truth of Christ, which I administer, I look upon even the Kings of the Earth to be but as Dust. Whatever weakness, or darkness may be in an Elder, yet in his Holy Administrations he is over even all the People. As the Master of a Ship, whilst he guides the Ship aright, in the work of guiding the Ship, is over all that are in the Ship; 
Mr. Shepherd▪ s Cav●●●.  tho' a King were in it, yet it belongs to the Master to order and guide the Ship. It is true indeed, that the Elders are the Servants of the Church for Jesus sake, 2 Cor. 4. 5. But you are not from thence to argue, that they are properly your Servants to be commanded by you; but they are Servants; that is, they are to lay out themselves wholly in seeking the profit, and edification of the Church, according to the Duty of their Office. And 
A● Acts 13. 36.  they are also the Servants of Christ, to do his Work to the Church: Thus in Col. 4. 12. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayer, etc. So the Apostle saith, The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patiented; in meekness instructing them that oppose themselves. 2 Tim. 2. 24. And, being the Servants of Christ, they must not persuade any to believe Men, or please Men: Do I now persuade men or God? or, do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ, Gal. 1. 10.  
In the same Sense they are called Men of God, 1 Tim. 6. 11. dedicated to his service, in an especial manner; they are instituted by Christ, they receive their Authority from Christ by the Church, they depend on Christ for the faithful discharge of their Work; and their Authority is not to be taken from them, unless they forfeit their Calling by such Errors and scandalous Enormities as deserve Excommunication; till than they are over you, and are your Rulers.  
2. They are over the Church, in the Lord; it is not an earthly Dignity, no Magisterial Dictatorship, no rigid Authority, no Secular Grandeur belongs to them. So our Lord told his Apostles in Luke 22. 26. ye shall not be so; i. e. ye shall not exercise Lordship and Authority in a rigid way; but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, (it is the same word that is rendered Governor, Matth. 2. 6.) 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  as he that doth serve. We are not to lord it over God's heritage, 1 Pet. 5. 3.  
The means of the Elders executing their Office are not carnal means, but Spiritual; not carnal Force, nor carnal Policy, but the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5. Elders must not make their own Will, but the Will of Christ, the Rule of all their Actings in the Church of christ: It is in the Lord.  
I design briefly to open unto you how they are over the Church in the Lord. First, In General. And, Secondly, In Particular.  
I. In General I shall show you, That all the Names and Titles that are given to the Ministers of Churches in the Scripture, do both speak Authority; entrusted to them by Christ, and to be exercised by them in the Name of Christ, and for his Glory; and do also import a tender Care, Kindness, Compassion, and Watchfulness, that they ought to have of the Flock. 1 Tim. 3. 5. How shall he care for the House of God? They do also import their faithfulness, and subjection to their Lord Jesus Christ.  
1. They are called the Messengers of the Lord of Hosts, Mal. 2. 7. They are called the Angels of the Churches; Angels sent 
The word here used, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is often rendered Angel, As 2 Sam. 14. 17, 20.  by Jesus Christ unto the Churches, Rev. 1. 20. They are called Ambassadors to treat with Sinners in the Name of Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 5. 20. And they must not speak their own Words, but their Lords Words; they must not seek their own Will; or their own Glory, but his that sent them; and they are compassionately to entreat poor Rebels to seek Peace with Christ; and they are carefully to watch to preserve Peace between Christ and poor Souls.  
2. They are called the Fathers of the People: So Elijah was called, My Father, my Father, 2 Kings 2. 12. Even Idolaters did own this Title. Micha in Mount Ephraim, Judges 17. 10. desired the Levite to be a Father to him; the Men of Dan told the Levite, That it was better for him to be a Father to 
Judges 18. 12.  a whole Tribe, than to a private House. Joram called Elisha, my Father, 2 Kings 6. 21. So also did Joash, 2 Kings 13. 14. And especially such Ministers, as Christ makes use of to be Instruments of the conversion of Sinners, are their Fathers: Therefore 
1 Cor. 4. 12.  they, being Fathers, must travail in birth, that Christ may be form in the Hearts of those to whom they minister; as the Apostle tells the Galatians, Gal. 4. 19 he did on their behalf; and they must also be tenderly affectionate, and solicitous for the good of their People: As ye know, saith the Apostle to the Thessalonians, how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, (as a Father doth his Children,) 1 Thess. 2. 11. They are Fathers that must comfort, and exhort, and charge the People. But withal, they must not pretend to such an absolute Paternal Power, as to require any to believe what they say, or to do what they command, without showing from the Word of God, that thus God reveals his Mind, and that thus God commands us to do: For any such Paternal Power is forbidden by Christ, call no Man Father on Earth; for one is your Father which is in Heaven, Matth. 23. 9  
3. They are called Guides, or Rulers, or Leaders, Heb. 13. 7, 17, 24. The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies Guides or Leaders, and so you may find it in the Margin of your Bibles, and it doth import guiding with some kind of Authority, in the Name of Jesus Christ: It is the same word that is attributed to Christ, Matth. 2. 6. when it's said, that out of Bethlehem should come a Governor, that shall rule my People Israel. Christ is a Governor and a Guide, Isaiah 55. 4. And being to guide, they are to go in and out before their People: It is true of the chief Shepherd, and proportionably of under Shepherds, each of them, that their Sheep must hear his Voice, and he leadeth them out, and when he puts forth his own Sheep, he goes before them, and the Sheep follow him, for they know his voice, John 10 3, 4. But being Guides, they must not be blind Guides, woe be to them if they be such. They must direct the Church, especially in all weighty Affairs that concern the common Good of the Church; but they are to guide with Counsel, with good Reason, and with Scripture, not with Self-will, and with Rigour.  
4. They are Stewards, 1 Titus 7. A Bishop must be blameless, as the Steward of God. 1 Cor. 4. 1. Let a Man so account of us, as of the Ministers of Christ, and Stewards of the Mysteries of God; therefore they must be faithful: So it follows in the second Verse. It is required of Stewards, that a Man be found faithful; and they must be diligent and careful, to give every one their portion of Meat in due season, Luke 12. 42, 43. Who then is that faithful and wise Steward, whom his Lord shall make Ruler over his Household, to give them their portion of Meat in due season? Blessed is that Servant, whom his Lord when he cometh, shall find so doing. And they must remember, that they must give an account to their Lord when he cometh; and if they shall not be able to give an account with Joy, Oh how great will be the Terror of that Day!  
5. They are Watchmen, Ezek. 3. 17. Son of Man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel, therefore hear the words of my mouth, and give them warning from me. Faithful Watchmen must receive the word from God, and must give warning from God; and let not any think that we are severe in our Warning, for it is from God that we give Warning. My Lord, I stand continually upon the Watchtower in the day time, and I am set in my Ward whole nights; so the Duty of a Watchman is described, Isa. 21. 8. Let none say in mockery, Watchman, what of the Night? Watchman, what of the Night? We tell you in the Name of the Lord, (Ver. 11, 12.) the Morning cometh, a bright Morning of National Peace; but if you repent not, the Night also comes of some dismal trouble, or thicker darkness than what ever yet you have felt; if you will inquire, then inquire seriously; and if you will return, return with unfeigned Repentance, and come to Christ by a lively Faith; if you do not, it will be an uncomfortable reflection, that Conscience will make in a day of Evil: This Evil comes upon us because we did not hearken unto the Voice of our Watchmen warning us, we obeyed not the Voice of our Teachers, and despised Instruction.  
6. They are called Overseers or Bishops. Feed the Church of 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  God, whereof the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseers, Acts 20. 28. If a Man desireth the Office of a Bishop, he desireth a good work, 1 Tim. 2. 1. But hereby is not to be understood, as some do groundlessly suppose, any superior Order, or Degree of Preeminency that some Men have in the Ministry over others: No, it imports no more than the common Work of all Elders, to oversee the Flock that is committed to them, and to take heed to them; which requireth great Care and Diligence. Titus 1. 5. The Apostle tells him, he left him to ordain Elders; and at the sixth Verse he gives the Character of an Elder; If any be blameless, etc. and he proves it in the seventh Verse; for a Bishop must be blameless. They are to oversee the Flock with great Care, and with great Diligence; therefore they must take the oversight of them, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre's sake, but of a ready mind, 1 Pet. 5. 2.  
7. They be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Shepherds or Pastors, and they must feed the People with Knowledge and Understanding, Jer. 3. 15. It is true of Christ the chief Shepherd, and proportionably of each under Shepherd, that the People must hear his word, and follow him; a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the Voice of strangers, John 10. 4, 5. They are to give them wholesome Food, wholesome Doctrine; and the People must distinguish between sound Doctrine and the Voice of Strangers. But still it must be remembered, that Christ is the chief Shepherd of our Souls, 1 Pet. 2. 25. & 5. 4. And all Men that he doth set over one or other of his Churches, they are but under Shepherds; all that they deliver truly and sound, they have it from Christ, that one Shepherd, Eccles. 12. 11. And they must, being under Shepherds, imitate the Example of our Great Shepherd, of whom it is prophesied in Isa. 40. 11. He shall feed his Flock like a Shepherd, he shall gather the Lambs with his Arm, and carry them in his Bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Thus must Shepherds in the Churches do, they must care for the tender Lambs, they must care for those that are oppressed with Infirmities, they must not over-drive the Flock, and they must diligently know the state of their Flock, whether increasing, or decaying in grace. They must be very careful to avoid that reproof that God gives by Ezekiel against the Shepherds in that day, Ezek. 34. 2, 3, 4. Woe be to the Shepherds of Israel, that feed themselves; should not the Shepherds feed the flock? Ye eat the fat, and cloth you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed; but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, nor healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. Oh this is a severe Reproof, a dreadful Charge to be given in against any that are called to be Shepherds or Pastors; it behoves us all to keep ourselves unspotted, and to be faithful.  
8. They are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Teachers, or Doctors, Isa. 20. v. 30. Thine eyes shall see thy Teachers, they shall no more be removed into corners. 1 Cor. 12. 28. God hath set some in the Churches, first Apostles, secondarily Prophets, thirdly Teachers: Therefore they must be apt to teach. Therefore that is inculcated as the qualification of a Bishop, 1 Tim. 3. 2. He must be apt to teach. And they must hold fast the faithful Word, and be able by sound Doctrine to exhort, and convince gainsayers, Titus 1. 8. They must exhort, instruct, and comfort the Church, with all Authority; these things command and teach, 1 Tim. 4. 11. Charge them that are rich in this World, cap. 6. 17. They must reprove publicly such as do sin publicly; they must give an open reproof for open sins. 1 Tim. 5. 20. Them that sin, rebuke before all, that others also may fear; and they must take heed to themselves, and to their Doctrine: There must be great care and great solicitousness 
1 Tim. 4. 16.  in us, that what we speak in the Name of the Lord, be indeed the Mind of the Lord, and cordially believed and submitted unto by ourselves as such.  
9 And lastly, They are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Elders, or Presbyters. If any Man be sick, let him send for the Elders of the Church, James 5. 14. The Elders that are among you, I exhort, who am also an Elder, 1 Pet. 5. 1. But with Elders there must be Wisdom, and an Ability to give Counsel, and Gravity; they must not be Novices, they must Rule well, and be Examples to the People.  
Thus in general, from their Names and Titles, I have showed you that they are over you, in the Lord.  
II. I shall show you a little in Particular what you are to understand by this being over you, in the Lord.  
1. It is a Power communicated by Christ's Word of Command, or Institution; the Constitutions of the Gospel do prescribe it, Matth. 28. 20. teaching them to do whatsoever things I have commanded you: And if any do assume more than Christ doth grant and command in his Word, such are Usurpers, Thiefs, and Robbers, vainly pretending to what they do not receive and derive from Christ by his Word.  
2. The Rule that Chrst hath entrusted and committed to them by his Word, is the guidance of the Church, in all things belonging to the Worship of God; for the ordering and disposing of all things in the Church, for Christ's Glory, and the Church's Edification; they are to care for all the Spiritual Concernments of the whole Society that is committed to them; they are to care for the House of God, 1 Tim. 3. 5.  
3. They have their Power immediately by the Church, but not from the Church; Christ doth apply the Office, tho' the Church designs the Person: The Church chooseth them, and the Holy Ghost makes them Overseers, Acts 20. 28. They are sent by Christ, John 13. 20. He that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me; and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me: They are Ambassadors for Christ; they do act in his stead, and by the Authority that he hath committed to them. As a King in his absence, may appoint Officers to wait upon his Queen, and to manage the Affairs of his Kingdom; and may also give Rules, that upon the death of any of them, she should 
Dr. Goodwin's Government of Churches.  choose new ones; yet still their Authority is such as the King hath vouchsafed in his Commission to them, not what the Queen gives them by choosing them.  
4. The Obligation of the Members of the Church, to a free, and voluntary, and uncompelled Obedience to them, doth arise from the Authority of Jesus Christ, which the Elders exercise according to his Laws. Your Obedience, I say, must be free and voluntary, yet you are obliged to obey them, because they exercise the Authority of Christ, according to his Laws. They do not act by the Authority of the Church, when they declare the consent and determination of the Church in the common Affairs of the Church. The Church doth in consenting exercise their Liberty, and their Privilege, according to the order of the Gospel, (for the order of the Gospel is such, that no act can take place in the Church without their own consent) but whilst the Church doth thus exercise their Liberty, and the Elders do declare the consent of the Church; yet still they act by the Authority of Christ, and in his Name, Matth. 28. 3 last Verses. All Power is given to me in Heaven and in Earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all Nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. Note here, That because all Power is given unto me, therefore I do authorise you to disciple and baptise all Nations, and to teach them to observe all the Institutions of Worship that I have commanded you. All Gospel Ministrations are grounded upon the Power that is given to Christ; and that not only with respect to the Apostles themselves, but also with respect to ordinary Elders, that are their Successors; for so it follows, Lo I am with you always, to the end of the World. So in Tit. 2. 15. These things teach, and exhort, and rebuke with all all authority; let no Man despise thee. They must not act Imperiously, nor Precariously, but they are to act in their Ministration with all Authority; and this Authority is not their own Authority, but Christ's; and the Authority of Christ must be be freely owned; no Man must despise them. Thus I have spoken to their Dignity, they are over you, in the Lord.  
II. Consider their Work; they labour among you, and admonish you: And here let me show you Summarily, First, What their Work is. And, Secondly, That it is a labour.  
I. As for their Work, the Apostle speaks, Eph. 4. 12. For the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Minstry, for the edifying the Body of Christ: There seems to be a transposition of these words, for the work of the Ministry, which lieth in 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  those two things here named, the jointing in of the Saints into Christ, and into Church Fellowship, and the edifying of the Body, that such as are not Saints, may become Saints by the Power of the Word, and be jointed into the Church; and after that they are jointed in, that the Body might be edified. Particularly.  
1. They are to preach the Word of God, and they are to administer all the Ordinances of God; and they must do it diligently and faithfully. This charge is given, 2 Tim. 4 12. Preach the word, be instant, in season, and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering, and doctrine. They must speak like the Oracles of God, 1 Pet. 4. 11. with clear Evidence of Scripture Light, that God in all things may be glorified. They must not corrupt and mingle the pure Word of God, with the sophistical Notions and Errors of Men, 2 Cor. 2. 17. They must not lay wood, and hay, and stubble upon the foundation; if they do, their Work shall suffer loss, and themselves be saved with great difficulty; so as by fire, 1 Cor. 3. 12, 15.  
2. They must watch for your Souls, Heb. 13. 17. Obey them that have the Rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your Souls. They must watch with great care, and great diligence; tho' thereby they be exposed to great trouble, and great danger: They must warn the People of their Backslidings, and of their Wander, and they must charge them, that they keep the way of the Lord; they must exhort them to their present Duty, and they must exhort them to lay hold on their future Reward. They must be very watchful, lest by some means the Tempter should tempt any, and their labour should be in vain, 1 Thess. 3. 5. They must warn them when any danger approacheth; as God chargeth Ezekiel in Chap. 3. 18, 19, Verses; When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked ways, to save his life; the same wicked Man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hands, etc.  
Bear with us, Beloved, if we seem unto you to be too earnest, and too warm in our Admonitions and Reproofs; we speak for the life of your Souls, and it is for the life of our own Souls also; we must show you the good way of the Lord, convince you of the Equity of it, and labour to impress you with a sense of your Duty, and excite you by the most powerful Motives we can use, to a cheerful, even, and constant walking in the ways of the Lord.  
3. The Elders are to exhort and comfort all the Members of the Church, (yea, and all that desire to receive Instruction from them) as their Condition and Necessities do require: They must do this with great gentleness and compassion, with simpathizing Bowels, and condescending Love; such the Apostle tells the Thessalonions was his Carriage towards them, 1 Thess. 2. 7, 8. We were gentle among you, even as a Nurse cherisheth her Children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not the Gospel of God only, but also our own Souls, because you were very dear unto us. So also he chargeth us, 1 Thess. 5. 14.  
Brotherly Love doth oblige all to attend unto this Duty; but the Office committed to the Elder doth much more oblige him to it; he is to be patiented towards all, (2 Tim. 2. 25.) and in meekness to instruct them that do oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance, that they may escape out of the snare of the Devil. They are to do this generally in their public preaching of the Gospel, and also particularly from House to House: Thus the Apostle declared his diligence, Acts 20. 20. I have kept back nothing that was profitable to you; but I have showed you, and taught you publicly, and from House to House.  
4. They are to defend, and maintain the Truth, against all Corruption and Error, 2 Tim. 1. 13, 14. Hold fast the form of sound words, in Faith and Love, which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing that is committed to thee, keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. And they are not only to keep it themselves, but they must by sound Doctrine, exhort, and convince Gain-sayers; the mouths of gainsayers must be stopped, who subvert whole Houses, speaking things they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake, 1 Tit. 1. 11. And in Chap. 2. v. 8. it is required of them that they have sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of them. It is that which requireth great Wisdom, that we do keep close to the Word, that we hold fast the Form of wholesome Words, according to the Scripture, and that all that we speak in the Name of the Lord, be sound Speech, that cannot be condemned; we must contend earnestly for the Faith which was once delivered to the Saints, Judas 3. v. We must watch against grievous Wolves entering in amongst us: This is the Charge given to the Elders in Acts 20. 28, 29. The Churches, and especially the Angels of the Churches, Rev. 2. 2. must try them that say they are Apostles, and are not; and find them to be liars.  
5. They that are over the Church must be exemplary in yielding Obedience to all the Commandments of Christ. Whosoever therefore shall break one of the least of these Commandments, and shall teach Men so, shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven, Matth. 5. 19 If you teach it not in your Preaching, and teach it in your Example, that any of the Commands of Christ are too little to be regarded; you incur the Threatening of being excluded from the Kingdom of Heaven: Oh what cause of trembling have we! So the Apostle chargeth Timothy, 1 Tim 4. v. 12. Be thou an example of the Believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. And in 2 Tim. 2. 22. Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Elders are set up in a golden Candlestick to be Lights, and they must be pure Lights, they must be burning and shining Lights; if there be any filthiness in them, it will lessen the Light, and make the Light offensive, which they hold forth to the People: They are set upon a Hill, the Eyes of all Men are upon them; and their not walking in exemplary Holiness, brings a great reproach upon the Gospel and Truths of Christ which they preach. But it is honourable, if they can say, as Philip. 3. 17. That is the first thing they must labour.  
II. This is labour; to do this is labour (Beloved) even unto weariness: As 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Greek word, signifieth: The same word is translated, being weary, John 4. 16. Thus sat Jesus 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  weary on the Well. We have toiled all night, and caught nothing, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Luke 5. 5. The work of the Ministry, my Beloved, is a go●d work, and it is a work that may be desired, 1 Tim. 3. 1. But it may not be desired for Honour's sake, nor for Maintenance sake, but for Works sake: But, as it is a good and desirable Work, so it is a painful and laborious Work; it is hard toilsome Labour, so that they need to give themselves wholly to it.  
1. There is the labour of the Brain; there is a giving attendance to Reading, Meditation, and Prayer, which is commanded them, that so they may faithfully discharge the Duty of their Office. 1 Tim. 4. 13. Till I come give attendance to Reading, to Exhortation, to Doctrine: And Verse 15. Meditate on these things, give thyself wholly to them. 2 Tim. 2. 15. Study to show thyself approved unto God; a workman that needeth not to be ashamed; rightly dividing the word of Truth: There needs continual Study, Reading, and Meditation; which is hard Labour, and doth greatly exhaust the strength of their natural Spirits: The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words; and that which was written was upright, even the words of truth, Ecccles. 12. 15.  
2. Their Work is Heart labour; in their Work they must labour hard with their own Hearts, and with the Hearts of those that God hath set them over. They labour with their own Hearts, for in their Hearts are like Passions as other Men have; they have many times unbelief vexing them, despondency casting them down; without are fightings, and within are fears, as the Apostle speaks, 2 Cor. 7. 4. They are to serve God with their spirits in the Gospel of Christ; sincerely and hearty, Rom. 1. 9 But their Spirits are sometimes discomposed, and disquieted, and cast down; and at other times their Spirit is willing, and their Flesh is weak. They labour with their own Hearts, for they must be careful of their own Souls, 1 Cor. 9 27. If they be keepers of others Vineyard, and do not keep their own Vineyard, if they do not take heed to themselves, that they may save themselves, as well as others, they shall be found Fools in the Issue of their Labours. And as they have hard labour with their own Hearts, so they have also hard labour with the Hearts of those whom they teach; and if God doth not help them, to work on the Hearts of them whom they teach, they can do nothing. Thus the Apostle expresseth his Labour, Coloss. 1. 28, 29. Whom we preach, warning every Man, and teaching every Man, in all Wisdom, that we may present every Man perfect in Christ Jesus; whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily: If that the Spirit work with us mightily, than our Labour is pleasant, tho' 'tis hard: But if we be put to lament, who hath believed our report, and to whom is the Arm of the Lord revealed? It even breaks our hearts with grief.  
3. It is Labour for which they many times have little thanks given them. Thus the Apostle tells the Corinthians, 2 Cor. 12. 15. I will very gladly spend, and be spent for you, tho' the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. So great an Apostle, met with so mean a requital, from those whom he had by his preaching Converted; and other Elders do many times meet with a discouraging requital, the more abundantly they love them, the less they are beloved by them: they are many times counted enemies, because they tell the people the truth, as the Galatians did account Paul; whereof he complains, Gal. 4. 16.  
4. It's hard Labour, wherein many times they have little success. They are made Fishers of Men, Mat. 4. 19 and they are put many times to complain unto the Lord, as Luke 5. 5 Master we have toiled all Night, and have caught nothing. Many times they see no fruit of their labours, before they are called home; and they that come after them, reap the harvest of the seed which they did sow. So our Lord told his Disciples, Jo. 4. v. 38. Other Men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.  
5. It is a toilsome Work, which is usually attended with great Sufferings, whilst they do faithfully discharge their Ministry. Wicked Men hate them, because they cannot speak good to them in a way of sin; and the frowardness of their Brethren doth many time's occasion great trouble to them. The Apostle frequently makes mention of his Sufferings, 2 Tim. 1. 12. For the which cause I also suffer these things, nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know in whom I have believed. So also, 2 Tim. 2. v. 9, 10. and 2 Cor. 11. 23.— 27 v. They that are called to this Work, must endure hardness as good Soldiers of Jesus Christ. So we are commanded; 2 Tim. 2. 3. And we must not be moved by any sufferings and troubles whatsoever, so as to leave our Ministry because of Sufferings, Acts 20. 24. None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to me, so I may finish my course with joy, and fulfil my Ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus. It is then, you see, hard Labour; labour of the Brains, labour with the Heart, labour that they have little thanks for, labour that they have often little success in, labour in which they many times suffer great and hard things. Yet thus we must Work, and thus we must Labour; a necessity is laid upon us, (1 Cor. 4. 9) and woe to us if we preach not the Gospel. Thus must we take heed to save our own Souls, and those that hear 
1 Tim. 4. 16.  us; and we must take heed that we be faithful, that the blood of none be required at our hands. I call you, saith the Apostle, to witness that I am free from the blood of all Men, Acts 20. 26. If the blood of any, to whom we preach, should be required at our Hands, how shall we answer it to our Lord?  

By way of Application.  
1. The good Lord pardon all the Failings and Miscarriages of us, who minister the Word, and Doctrine; all our coming short in so great a Work: It was a great thing the Apostle said, I know nothing by myself, I know nothing wherein I have failed in the work of my Ministry to you, yet am I not hereby justified; for Christ knoweth my Work more perfectly than Man doth, 1 Cor. 4. 4. But as for us poor sinners, we dare not say, that we know no thing by ourselves; we have many Miscarriages that we are guilty of; but we hope and believe, that we shall be saved by the Blood of Christ, even as ye.  
2. Who is sufficient for these things? The Apostle puts the Question, 2 Cor, 2. 16. No Man, no Angel, is sufficient for this great Work; except we have a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit, except we have full communications of Life, and Love, and Holiness from the Holy Spirit. We are not sufficient of ourselves, to think any thing as of ourselves, our sufficiency is of God, 2 Cor. 3. 5. Elders must walk humbly with their God, on whom they depend for all their Supplies; their Office, and all their Abilities for their Office, are freely given them from the Grace of Christ: And they must also walk humbly with them, that they are set over; remembering that themselves were by Nature also Rebels against the Majesty of Heaven; and they must walk humbly, considering their many Defects and Weaknesses that they are conscious of to themselves: Even the Apostle Paul saith, 2 Cor. 10. 1. Now I Paul myself beseech you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ: And if Paul himself did, how much more must we, beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ? Elders must not lift up themselves above their Brethren; they must fear, lest being lifted up with pride, they should fall into the condemnation of the Devil, 1 Tim. 3. 6.  
3. Let us who are called to this Work and Labour, give thanks unto Jesus Christ, who calleth and helpeth us; and let us give all the glory unto him. I thank God, saith the Apostle, who enabled me, and counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 1 Tim. 1. 12. It is matter of Thanksgiving from us, that God should count us faithful, and make us faithful; and that God should enable us to labour, and make us able Ministers of the New Testament; not of the Letter, but of the Spirit, 2 Cor. 3. 6. We receive all from him, that we may give all the glory unto him; To me, who am less than the least of all Saints, is this grace given; that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, Eph. 3. 8. So we may also say,  
4. Let us who are called to this Work and Labour, stir up ourselves to Labour: As the Apostle exhorts Timothy, 2 Tim. 4. 5. Watch thou in all things, endure affliction, do the work of the Evangelist, and make full proof of thy Ministry: So let us watch in all things, endure Affliction, do the work of Elders, and make full proof of our Ministry; let us make full proof to others of our Ministry, and of our Faithfulness in this great Work, whereunto we are called: We have a great Example given us by the Apostle Paul, 2 Cor. 6. 3, 4, 5, 6. Giving no offence in any thing, that the Ministry be not blamed; but in all things approving ourselves as the Ministers of God. This was the Apostles Care, this is to be our Care; in all things to approve ourselves as the Ministers of God, in much Patience, in Afflictions, in Necessities, in Distresses, in Labours, in Watch in Fast, by Pureness, by Knowledge, by Long-suffering, by Kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by Love unfeigned. This aught to be the care and resolute endeavours of our Souls; and that we may be enabled so to do, we must seek to abound more in love to the Lord Jesus Christ, John 21 15. and in love to the Souls of the People, 1 Thess. 2. 8.  
Lastly, You who have called Elders to watch over you, (for there are not only of this Church, but other Churches present,) do you, I say, strengthen their Hands, and encourage them in their Work, as much as possibly you can; do you countenance and comfort them; and, as the Apostle giveth charge concerning Timothy, see that he may be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, 1 Cor 16. 10. So let your Elders be with you without fear, for they work the Work of the Lord; do what you can to strengthen their Hands in such hard and laborious Work: And that leads me to the  
II. Doct. That it is the Duty of the whole Church, and of every Member thereof, to know, esteem, and love, most abundantly, those that are over them in the Lord, and that for their Works sake.  
I shall speak a little in the first place to the Duty, and in the second place, to the Motive, for their Works sake.  
I. As to the Duty that you own to your Elders; in short, it is Love; as Love is the fulfilling of the Law; and all the other Commandments are briefly comprehended in this Saying, Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thyself: So give me leave to say, That Love is the fulfilling of all the Duties that you own to your Elders; and all other Duties that you own to them, are briefly comprehended in this Saying, Love your Elders unfeignedly; love them that are over you in the Lord without dissimulation; Love will make you doubly diligent in performing every good Office to to them: Whatever you do to, or for them, if Love be wanting, it is not valuable; if you do it for fear of Men, or from any mean or sordid Principle, it is not acceptable. But, Particularly,  
1. You must honour and reverence them; you must highly esteem them, for they are worthy of double Honour. The Apostle tells the Galatians, that they had once such an esteem of him, Gal. 4. 14. My temptation that was in my Flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an Angel of God, even as Christ Jesus: Tho' his bodily Presence was mean, tho' he was exposed to many Sufferings, and many Infirmities, yet they did highly esteem his Doctrine, as if an Angel from Heaven, or Jesus Christ had preached it; and they did in like manner esteem him for his Doctrines sake; they did greatly esteem him. Thus we read, Rom. 10. 15. How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings? The Feet are the meanest Members, and liable to soil; but yet because they bring the glad Tidings of the Gospel, you should esteem that in them, which is meanest, to be beautiful; you should esteem them to be worthy of Honour and Reverence. The Apostle tells us, that so the Corinthians carried it to Titus, 2 Cor. 7. 15. His inward affection is more abundant towards you, whilst he remembreth the obedience of you all; how with fear and trembling you received him: Ye were afraid lest any thing in your carriage might grieve him, or offend him. And let not any that have more years than their Elders that are set over them think, that therefore they are not obliged to honour and reverence them, being younger; the Scripture charge is, Let no Man despise thy youth, 1 Tim. 4. 12.  
2. You must obey them, and submit to them, in all things, that they speak to you in the Name of Christ, and from the Word of the Lord: So in that beforenamed place, whilst he remembreth the obedience of you all. So, 1 Cor. 16. 16. That you submit yourselves to such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. Heb. 13. 17. Obey them that have the Rule over you, and submit yourselves: Obey their Teachings, and submit to their Admonitions, Reproofs, and Government; do not you do as the stubborn Israelite did, when Moses came to part two that were quarrelling, the faulty Person thrust him away, and said, Who made thee a Ruler, and Judge over us? Acts 7. 27. When your Elders would persuade you to Peace, or Holiness, don't fly in their Faces, and say, Who made you Rulers over us? But yield gently to their guidance, so far as they follow Christ, 1 Cor. 11. 1. Be ye followers of us, as we also are of Christ Jesus. It is sad to consider, how foolishly we are apt to run into Extremes; some Elders are for taking all to themselves, and they will be Absolute, and Arbitrary, and will allow the Church no Power, Liberty, nor Privilege; and on the other side, some People are for taking all to themselves, and will have their Elders to be no more than Ciphers, or Tools among them; they will not understand how their Liberty can consist with obeying, and submitting to them that are over them, in the Lord. There are some that are apt to have a great opinion of their own Sufficiency, Wisdom, and Authority, and that they have little need of their Elders: But Christ will not bear it, that his Messengers should be so slighted; and they that are humble, and wise, and sincerely desire the public good of the Church; will submit themselves to them that are over them in the Lord, and they will be afraid of following their own Will, lest in so doing they should misled others; they will seek the Law of Christ from the Mouth of their Elders, that all things may be done orderly, according to the Word of God; and that their Elders may be with them, without fear and trouble of Spirit.  
3. You must believe and practise the sincere Word of God, being preached unto you, by them that are over you in the Lord: The Apostle doth greatly commend the Thessalonians for this, 1 Thess. 1. 6. Ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the Word with much affliction, and with joy in the Holy Ghost. And cap. 2. 13. When ye received the Word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the Word of Man, but as it is in truth the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. If that you do not believe; and obey the Word that is preached to you, as the Word of God; if you accept men's persons, if you judge according to the Flesh, as your Ear, and as your fancy is pleased, and your humour is gratified; you do not show that love to your Elder that God requireth of you. Desire earnestly the sincere Milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby; let the Word of the Lord be precious unto you, not only (as the manner of some is) when there is no open Vision, but also when it is plentifully dispensed. Let your growth be answerable to your feeding, let not fatness breed loathing, and nauseousness in you, being glutted by the Word. Do not despise the Stewards of Christ that minister it unto you; do not grow weary of the Ordinances of Christ, because you enjoy them peaceably; come not under that reproof, Mal. 1. 13. Ye have said also, behold what a weariness is it? and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of Hosts. Oh be not you so guilty; lest God should judge you, and send leanness into your Souls, and make you to wander from one Sea unto another, seeking the Word of the Lord, and ye shall not find it, as he speaks, Amos 8. 12. Be not all Ear, do not content yourselves with hearing many Sermons, and talking of them, that it is a good and a seasonable Word; do not content yourselves without practising them: If you know these things, happy are you if you do them: Be ye the Epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not on Stone, or with Ink, but in the fleshly Tables of your Hearts by the spirit of God, 2 Cor. 3. 3.  
Surely, Beloved, if you profess never so much Honour, and Reverence, and Obedience, to us, in your outward Words and Actions, yet if the Word of Christ, which we preach, doth not dwell richly in you, if it be not by you highly valued, and rightly improved, and you do not bring forth the fruits of it, in your conversation, you do not what pleaseth Christ, nor what satisfieth us; it is not that love which we desire from you, but you send us mourning to our God. As the Lord tells Ezekiel, cap. 33. 32. Lo thou art unto them, as a very lovely Song, of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an Instrument, for they hear thy words, and will not do them. So we too often find it; and you make us weep bitterly, and cry out, because our Labours are successless. Oh take heed that you do not turn your backs on the Rod of Christ's Power, the Word of his Grace, and take heed also that you do not hear, with an unbroken, and unaffected, and unbelieving heart; for if you do either of these, you are guilty of casting off Christ.  
4. You must pray earnestly for your Elders, Heb. 13. 18. Pray for us, for we trust we have a good Conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. Pray that their stores, of the gifts and graces of the Spirit, may be increased; pray that they may be helped by the Holy Spirit in their great work; as the Apostle calls upon the Ephesians, cap. 6. 19 Pray for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth b●ldly to make known the Mystery of the Gospel; do not you stop your Minister's mouth; do not you say that he grows dull, whilst you neglect praying for him that God would open his mouth. So to the Colossians the Apostle saith, cap. 4. 3. Withal, praying for us, that God would open a door of utterance, to speak the Mystery of Christ; and to the Thessalonians, 1 Thes. 3. 1. Finally Brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may run, and be glorified, even as it is with you. Pray for us that we may have success in our work, and pray that we may be delivered from wicked and unreasonable Men; for all Men have not Faith; as it follows in the next verse. And in Rom. 15. 30. Now I beseech you, Brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and the Love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me, in your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from them that believe not in Judea, and that my Service that I have for Jerusalem, may be accepted of the Saints: Oh pray that their Labours may be acceptable; for tho' their Work ought to be acceptable, yet many times it is not. Pray for them that all their afflictions, dangers, and troubles, may be sanctified to them, for the working out of their own Salvation: This shall turn, to my Salvation, through your prayers, and the supplies of the Spirit of Christ, Phil. 1. 19 Pray also that God would send forth more Labourers into his Harvest, Luke 10. 2.  
5. You must communicate to them in all good things, that so (if possible) they may live free from care, and from the cumber of the World, that they must not have their minds perplexed, or diverted, from their Studies, by outward straits, or worldly entanglements: Yea, you may supply them so, that they may be able to show Hospitality, and Charity. The Scripture is very express for this, 1 Cor. 9 7. Who goeth a Warfare any t●me at his own charge? who planteth a Vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a Flock, and eateth not of the Milk of the Flock? vers. 14. Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they who preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel. So Gal. 6. 6. Let him that is taught in the Word, communicate to him that teacheth in all good things, Matth. 10. 10. The Labourer is worthy of his Hire. It was Jeroboam's policy to make Priests of the lowest of the people, and many do account it policy to keep their Ministers bare, that so they may still be the lowest of the people; but herein they do not take counsel of God. And as Elders must not be Hirelings (they must not be such as take care only for the profit, and are not willing to expose themselves to hazard, and loss, and danger; they must not every one, look for his own gain from his quarter; a Bishop must not be given to filthy lucre, 
Isa. 56. 11. Titus 1. 7. 1 Pet. 5. 2.  but must take the oversight of the Flock, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre's sake, but of a ready mind; as I say Ministers must not be Hirelings) so when you given them a little, you must not any of you think that you may treat them as if they were Hirelings; you must none of you expect to command them in their work, and if they will not truckle to all your humours, you must not say that you will give them nothing; it is a just Debt you own them, and gratitude obligeth you, to supply your Elders, according to your ability; so that they may have a comfortable subsistence among you, 1 Cor. 9 11. If we have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? The Apostle tells the Romans in cap. 15. 27. that the Churches of Greece were Debtors unto the Saints at Jerusalem, because from them first came the Gospel Ministration and Ordinances, and much more are the people Debtors to their Ministers, by whom the Word and Ordinances, are continually ministered unto them.  
6. You must own your Elders in their Sufferings for the sake of Christ, and of his Gospel; as in 2 Tim. 1. 16, 17, 18. The Apostle mentions One siphorus with great praise, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my Chains; and when I was at Rome sought me out very diligently, and found me; and in many things he ministered unto him at Ephesus; and he mentions it as a sad charge against other Brethren, in cap. 4. 16. At my first Answer no Man stood with me, but all Men forsook me; I pray God it be not laid to their charge: Oh! do not you in a time of distress, when your Shepherd is aimed at, run away according to the Proverb, I will smite the Shepherd, and the Sheep shall be scattered: And do not think this is unseasonably moved, for you know not what evil may be in the Earth, therefore hear for the time to come. This then is the Duty that you own to your Elders; you must honour and reverence them; you must obey them, and submit to them; you must believe and practise the sincere Word of God that they preach; you must pray earnestly for them, and communicate to them in all good things; and you must own them in their Sufferings for Christ.  
2. The second thing is the Motive, why you must do this, and that is, for their works sake: The work beloved is toilsome to them, and profitable for you, therefore you are to love them for their work's sake. See that he may be with you without fear, for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do, 1 Cor. 16. 10.  
You must love Saints, as Saints; and you must love Ministers, as Ministers; Matth. ●0. 41. You must show kindness to Prophets, in the name of a Prophet, to Elders, in the name of an Elder. Jehoram honoured Elisha, because he helped him against his Enemies; he sent him word of the Ambushes, laid by the Syrian King against him; and when he brought the Army of the Syrians into the midst of Samaria, Jehoram cried out, My Father, my Father, shall I smite them? 2 Kings 6. 21. but when Elisha did not help Jehoram against the Famine, so soon as he expected, than he vowed he would take off Elisha's Head, v. 31. so that the honour he gave him, was not for his works sake, but because he had some great benefit by him. The people followed Christ, but it was for the sake of the Loaves, wherewith he fed them; Job 6. 27. but when they did disgust his spiritual Doctrine, than they forsook him, v. 60, 66. and when they could not bear his close reproofs (he told them, they did the work of their Father the Devil) than they took up Stones to stone him, Joh. 8. 39, 40, 59 Beloved, if you do limit your respect and kindness to your Elders, by such low Motives, as their natural gifts, learning, fine pleasing language, popularity, pliableness to your humours, and will, or any other carnal respect, you do not show that true love to them, that you own them: But you must perform faithfully, the Duties that you own them, for their works sake, that must be your chief Motive. It is a most excellent work; it is a work whereby your greatest good and happiness is promoted, your faith and joy is helped, and strengthened; and your salvation furthered; you must love them for their work sake, for their laborious diligence, and honest plainness, in exhorting, admonishing, reproving, and comforting you as the case doth require; this must be your Motive, and if you do not act from a true Motive, you do not act acceptably.  
I shall add three Reasons, why you must thus love them, and thus carry it, to them that are over you in the Lord.  
For Christ's sake, for your own sake, and for your Elders sake.  
1. You must do thus for Christ's sake, for they are sent by Christ, and he hath a tender regard to them, and he gives charge concerning them, do my Prophets no harm: Whatever you do to them, he takes it as done to himself, Matth. 10. 40. He that receiveth you, receiveth me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me. So again Luk. 10. 16. Christ is concerned in all your carriages, in all your kindness, or unkindness, that you show to his Messengers whom he sends unto you. As Moses answered in the behalf of Aaron, Thou and all thy company are gathered together against the Lord, and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him? Numb. 16. 11. All your quarrels, all your contendings, all your murmur, are against the Lord; and what are your poor Elders that ye murmur against them? if you cast off your Elders, you cast off Christ; if you discourage your Elders, you displease Christ.  
2. You must thus carry it to them for your own sake; it's for your good; it is profitable for you, to know them that are over you in the Lord; but if you break Christ's Cords, and will not know them that are over you in the Lord, this is not liberty, but licentiousness. It is for your Edification, for the Edification of the whole Church, that you should love your Elders: The Church, the body edifies itself in love, Eph. 4. 12, 16. It is foolish for any to think that the Church can be increased, by lessening of the Elders; your Elders are the Instruments, by which the Lord doth usually dispense spiritual blessings to you, things that accompany Salvation; if you despise and vex the Instruments, you may thereby obstruct the communication of those graces to your Souls; your Elders are persons, on whose welfare, the common good of the Church depends, and therefore aught to be preferred in all kinds and degrees of love; they are given for this end, that Christ may dwell among you, by his Spirit and Faith, Psalm 68 18. That he might fill all things, Eph. 6. 10. That he might fill the Members with more Graces, and the Church with more Members. You may be tempted to think that you shall get by neglecting your Elders, but 'tis unprofitable for you, both here and hereafter: Your Elders may perhaps have the present Burden, and trouble of your weakening their Hands in their Work, but the sad consequence will be to yourselves; it will be to your own disadvantage, Heb. 13. 17. They must give an account; that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you: It is unprofitable for you, if you grieve their Spirits.  
3. For your Elders sake; because it is for their good, that they may go on cheerfully in their laborious Work, and that they may be strengthened against those Temptation, wherewith their Work is attended. If you do not show a Gospel Spirit in all your carriage to them, you sadden their Hearts, and make them to do their Work feebly. Consider, I beseech you, they are frail Men like yourselves, and that the Wicked do daily vex their righteous Souls, that they have much difficulty in keeping their own Spirits, that they be not overcome by Temptation; and if you add further unto this, their brethren's dealing roughly with them, Oh how will this pierce and grieve them? Consider, I beseech you, they are daily giving an account to the Lord Jesus of the Flock committed to them, if their Flock be a thriving Flock, a growing Flock, if they see the Graces of the Spirit abounding in them; then they with Joy praise Christ, for his Spirit and Grace bestowed on them: As the Apostle in the behalf of the Philippians, Chap. 2. 16, 17. & Chap. 1. 3, 4, 5. That I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain; yea, and if I be offered up, upon the sacrifice and service of your Faith, I joy and rejoice with you all. So likewise to the Thessalonians, 1 Thess. 3. 8, 9 Therefore, Brethren, we are comforted over you all, in all our afflictions, and distresses, by your Faith; for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord; for what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy, wherewith we joy, before God for your sakes? But if the Flock be diseased and weak, and unthriving; and if the fat ones of the Flock do thrust with the Side, and push with the Horn; then your poor Elders give their Account with sorrow, and mourn before the Lord, and make known their complaints to him, who will hear them. Was it not a sad thing, that Elijah should make intercession to God against Israel? Rom. 11. 2. And is it not a sad thing that you should stop the Mouths, and straiten the Spirits of your Elders, when they pray for you? But the Apostle saith, We were comforted in your comforts; and exceedingly the more we joyed for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all, 2 Cor. 7. 13. Let your Elders be comforted in your Comforts, let them be refreshed by you all. That is the second Doctrine. That it is the Duty of the Church, and every particular Member, highly to esteem, and love, and honour them that are set over them, in the Lord.   

By way of Application.  
1. If any faithful Elders do meet with a contrary carriage from any that are in the Church, let them not despond: They have the Example of their Lord and Master, who suffered the like, Isaiah 49. 4. Then, said I, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain; yet surely my judgement is with the Lord, and my work with my God. God is Witness of your Faithfulness and Diligence, in your Work; and tho' you meet with nothing but contempt and hard usage, God will give Judgement for you, God will reward you in due time. Let us consider the Hand of Satan is in it, who is the great Enemy to the Gospel, and to those that are commissionated to dispense it, and the Ordinances of it: Should we expect Peace with Satan? Can we expect any otherwise, but that so far as his Devices can prevail, he will do us all the mischief, and cause us all the trouble he can? I would have come unto you once and again, saith Paul, 1 Thess. 2. 18. but Satan hindered me; he will hinder so far as God permits. Let us also consider the hand of God in it; it is to humble us, to stir us up to Prayer, (they have rewarded me evil for good, but I give myself to Prayer, Psalm 109. 4.) and to stir us up to greater diligence in our Work; and consider that he takes notice of all your Labour, and all those Difficulties that you are under; Thou hast born, and hast patience; and for my Name's sake hast laboured and hast not fainted, Rev. 2. 3. Remember the eye of God is upon you, observing how you behave yourself, and that he takes gracious cognizance, of your going on courageously under such discouragements.  
2. Let me apply this by way of Exhortation; We beseech you Brethren, to know them that are over you in the Lord, and that you esteem them highly in love, for their Works sake: Let me beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ to do so. Let not any say I,  in pressing you, I have the great Apostle giving me an example in my Text, most seriously and most affectionately pressing this Exhortation. We had rather be altogether silent in this matter, but there is danger lest you should be unmindful of your Duty: The Apostle saw it to be needful, and we find it to be needful, to exhort you, and stir up your minds, by way of Remembrance; and if we should be totally negligent in this matter, it would be such a piece of Modesty and Self-denial, as would turn to your loss: Therefore I beseech you, that you would thus love, and show the Effects of your love to your Elders. And in order hereunto,  
1. You must understand aright, and be convinced of your Duty to your Elders; be not willingly ignorant of your Duty; let not prejudice turn away your minds from the consideration of your Duty; and let not your hearts be resolved against it. Know and lay to heart, that the station wherein Christ hath set your Elders, calls for those Duties at your hands: let not evil Customs, desire of Reputation, or of Domination, or desire to obtain the Favour of any, lessen your due respect to your Elders, but get a deep impression on your Consciences, that this is your Duty; strive not against the conviction of it.  
Consider Christ commands you, and their work doth greatly oblige you, that you should so carry it to them; put your Consciences under the awe of Christ's Command, and love them for their work sake; if this Motive affect you, you will do your Duty with more delight to yourselves, and with greater acceptation to Jesus Christ.  
2. Do not watch for the failings of your Elders, that so you might have somewhat whereby to confirm your prejudices, and to justify your murmur against them; be not like Flesh F●ies, that love to dwell upon the sore place; they are Men subject to like Passions with yourselves; they are Angels in Office, but they are not yet Angels in perfect Holiness; therefore do you cover their Infirmities with a Mantle of Love; never take pleasure in discovering the nakedness of your spiritual Fathers.  
3. Let your Love be constant; do not you fall under that reproof, which the Apostle gives the Galatians, Gal. 4. 15, 16. Where is then the blessedness ye speak of? for I bear you record, that if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own Eyes, and have given them to me; am I therefore become your Enemy, because I tell you the truth? Let that Love, that appeared warm in your first joining in this Relation, be still increasing; let it not presently decay: Be not like Children that are never pleased but with new things; be not of an unstable mind, always affecting changes. I am afraid that I have tired you, in speaking to these two Doctrines, I will say therefore but little to the  
3 Doctrine. That the Elders faithful discharge of their Duty, and the People's conscientious discharge of th●●r Duty, and mutual Peace, are strictly joined together.  
Do not expect that you shall find the one without the other, and when you see these joined together, then do you see Zion in her Beauty, then will you rejoice in the Lord, and say, Look upon Zion, the City of our Solemnities, thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet Habitation, a Tabernacle that shall not be taken down, etc. Isa. 33. 20.  
Briefly let me mention every part of this Doctrine.  
1. The Elders discharge of their Duty, is a means to oblige the People, to a Conscientious discharge of theirs, and to promote mutual Peace. Therefore, Say to Archippus, take heed to the Ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it, Col. 4. 17. You may not expect Love nor Reverence, if you do not faithfully fulfil the Ministry, that you have received in the Lord. If Elders be proud, and haughty, and self-willed, they lose their hold of the People's Love. 2 Cor. 1. 24. We have not dominion over your Faith, but are helpers of your joy. If Elders do not themselves, Practice, and teach the Church to Practise, all things that Christ hath commanded; If Elders 
Mat. 23. 4.  be Slothful and Dronish, they may not expect the People should highly esteem them in Love; Mal. 2. 9 Therefore have I made you contemptible and base before all the People, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in my love; If Elders do not faithfully Advise the Church, if they addict themselves to the pleasing of some particular Men, and do not consult and aim at the general good of the Church; then there is not like to be mutual Peace in the Church.  
An Elders carriage in the Church, must be like that of Mordecays, Esther 10. 3. who was accepted of the multitude of his Brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking Peace to all his seed; So if an Elder expect to be accepted of his Brethren, he must seek the wealth of his people, and speak peace to all the Flock.  
2. That People's Conscientious Discharge of their Duty, is a means to encourage the Elders, to be faithful in their Duty, and it is a means of mutual Peace. If the People behave themselves proudly and contemptuously against their Elders, if they strive with them, and obstinately resist their Admonitions, and Reproofs, they will weaken their Hands, and sink their Spirits, and give occasion for Strife and Division in the Church. For consider how great a matter a little fire kindleth: But if the People carry it lovingly to their Elders, and say, Thine are we, peace be to thee, and to thy helpers, for thy God helpeth thee; then shall the Elders succeed in their Work and Labour; having a free access to the Spirits of their People; then shall all offence and occasion of Division be greatly prevented.  
3. Mutual Peace doth in an eminent manner, tend to help the Elders in the discharge of their Duty, and help the People in the discharge of their Duty. Peace doth promote ●ll Godliness, and all Honesty, and doth promote the Edification of all, Rom. 14. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things that make for Peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. And in Cap. 15. v. 2. Let every one please is Neighbour, for his good to Edification: Behold, how pleasant, and good a thing it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity; there the Lord commands the blessing, even life for evermore, Psal. 133. But if a Spirit of Division doth prevail in a Church, than the Devil gets Advantage, to hinder the good success of the Ministry, to obstruct the Elders in doing their Duty, who cannot live comfortably, nor labour industriously, if they be in a fire, and a flame of Division; and the Devil gets advantage also, to alienate the People from their Duty, and to bring all Mischief into the Church, James 3. 14 If ye have bitter envyings and strifes in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the Truth; for where envy and strife is, there is confusion, and every evil work, Verse 16. If ye by't and devour one another, take heed lest ye be consumed one of another, Gal. 5. 15. I have showed you shortly the Truth of the Doctrine.  
And I would only repeat the Exhortation; be you then exhorted, I beseech you, Brethren, to undissembled love, and unfeigned Peace; let Love be the Principle, and let Holiness be the Bond of Peace among you: Hear how pathetically the Apostle presseth the Exhortation, Eph. 4. 1, 2. 3. I therefore, the Prisoner of the Lord, beseech you, that ye walk worthy of the calling, wherewith ye are called; with all lowliness, and meekness, with long-suffering; forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit▪ in the bond of Peace. So in 2 Philip. 1. 4. If there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels, and mercies; fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind; let each esteem others better than themselves; look not every Man on his own things; but every Man also on the things of others. Are you Christians? Do you believe this to be the Word of God, that doth contain the Evidences of your Salvation? And can you easily forget such pathetical Exhortations? Let not the Elders, nor let, I beseech you, any of the Brethren, have cause to complain: As Psalm 120. 6, 7. I have long dwelled with them that hate Peace; I am for Peace; but when I speak, they are for War.   

By way of Direction.  
1. Avoid Pride, and an overweening esteem of your own Wisdom and Worth. Prov. 13. 10. Only by Pride cometh Contention; i. e. Chief and eminently by Pride cometh Contention; and if there is any thing of another cause, that causeth Contention, yet Pride mingleth therewith, and blows up the Flame more vehemently: Therefore avoid Pride; yea, do you count yourselves to be nothing. Consider that Parable Ecclesiast. 9 15, 16.  
2. Seek not your own Interest and Advantage; prefer the public good of the Church, before your own private conveniency, 1 Cor. 10. 24. Let no Man seek his own, but every one another's Wealth; do not insist stiffly upon your Right; do not continually resolve that you will not abate a Pin, but be of a yielding Spirit. The Promise of the Land was made to Abraham; but, saith he to Lot, Let there be no strife, my Brother, between me and thee, (Gen. 13. 8, 9) do thou take thy choice; if thou goest to the right-hand, I will go to the left, etc. Therefore if you stiffly insist upon any thing of your own Will, and Interest, consider that your Father Abraham did not so.  
3. Be not busy Bodies, 1 Thess. 4. 11. That ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, love this Honour; It is your honour to be quiet; you cannot so easily do your own Business well; don't you think it belongs to you, to do the Business of others, and that nothing is well done but what you have the ordering of; don't you think that you must be the doers of all. I shall conclude with these two Scriptures; the first in the two Verses following the Text. We exhort you, Brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patiented towards all Men. See that none render evil for evil unto any Man: But ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all Men. And I shall add the other thereunto, and conclude, 2 Cor. 13. 11. Finally, my Brethren, farewell: Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in Peace; and the God of Love and Peace shall be with you.  
The Lord impress this upon all our Hearts.   
FINIS.   

A Catalogue of Books Printed for, and are to be sold by Edward Giles Bookseller in Norwich, near the Marketplace.  

SEveral Discourses concerning Actual Providence.  
A Word in Season.  
Defensive Armour against four of Satan's most Fiery Darts.  
Sermons upon the whole first and second Chapters of the Canticles.  
Thirteen Sermons upon several Useful Subjects.  
The Happiness of Brethren dwelling together in Unity. All published by John Collings, D. D. of Norwich.  
The Way of the Spirit in bringing Souls to Christ.  
The Glory of Christ set forth, with the Necessity of Faith, in several Sermons; both by Mr. Tho. Allen, late Pastor of a Church of Christ at Norwich.  
Enoch's Walk with God, and Christ a Christian's Gain: By Mr. Timothy Armitage, late Pastor of a Church of Christ at Norwich.  
Precious Promises the Portion of Overcomers. By Mr. John Lougher, Minister in Norfolk.  
The Saints Ebenezer: By Mr. Francis English, late Minister in Norwich.  
Directions to Spell English right.  
The History of the Protestant Reformation, as it was begun by Luther.  
The Dead Saints Speaking; being a Sermon Preached upon the Death of Mr. Newcomb, in Essex. By Mr. Fairfax.  
The Ordinary Matter of Prayer drawn into Questions and Answers.  
Two Treatises; the first of, Rejoicing in the Lord Jesus in all Conditions. The second, Of a Christian's Hope in Heaven, and Freedom from Condemnation by Christ. Both by Mr. Robert Asty, late Minister of Jesus Christ in Norwich.  
Obedience to Magistrates recommended, in a Sermon Preached Sept. 9 1683. By Jonathan Clapham, Rector of Warplingham in Norfolk.  
Two Discourses; one of Spiritual Blessings, the other, that God hath an high account of the least Grace in the Saints: By Mr. John Cromwell, late Pastor of a Church of Christ in Norwich.  
In●ant Baptism of Christ's Appointment: By Mr. Samuel Petto, Pastor of a Church in Sudbury in Suffolk.  
Of the Conversion of Sinners of God in Christ. ●●e Necessity, Nature, Means and Signs of it; with a Concluding Speech to the Unconverted.  
An Answer to Tho. Grantham's Book, called A Dialogue between the Baptist and Presbyterian.  
A Sermon Preached upon the death of that Pious and Learned Divine John Collinges, D. D. All by Mr. Martin Finch, Pastor of a Church of Christ in Norwich:  
Sincerity, or the Upright Man's walk to Heaven, delivered in several Sermons, in the Parish Church of St. Michael, in Long Stratton in Norfolk, by Mr. James Olfield, late Minister there.  
Alexipharmacon Spirituale: Being a Defensive against the poison and sting of death; or the great expedient how to make the Bed of the Grave so easy that we may lay down in peace and take our rest.  
A Plea for Abatements in Matters of Conformity.  
A Sermon preached upon the 30th. day of Jan. 1695. All by Mr. Sam. Snowden Minister of the Gospel in Newton in Norfolk.  
Christ set forth in several Sermons, upon the 7th. Chapter to the Hebrews, by Mr. Rob. Ottee, late Pastor of a Church of Christ in Beckles in Suffolk.  
Sacramental Discourses on several Subjects: To which is added; A Discourse of the Life of Faith, by Christopher Ammarant, Pastor of a Church in Southripps in Norfolk.  
A Discovery of Audacious Insolence against the Doctrine of the Church of England, vented in a Malicious Pamphlet, by Thomas Grantham.  
A Practical Discourse upon the 8th. of the Romans.  
A Brief and Plain Discourse upon the Decrees of God; both by Nath. Wiles.  
The right way of seeking God, in a Sermon preached at Great Yarmouth, by Mr. James Hannot, Pastor of a Church of Christ there.  
The History of the Birth, Life, Sufferings and Death of our blessed Saviour, by Mr. Henry Brett, of Pulham in Norfolk.  
The exceeding abundant Grace of God displayed, in the Conversion of William Gymer, a Penitent Malefactor and Murderer, who was executed on the Castle-Hill of Norwich, September 4. 1696. Written by John Lucas.   
FINIS.