Ought to be Joined ithal._ . i 8 3 (3.) It is of the fame Importance that Perlons fo cal- led, do take heedunto their Minry that they Pp it, that they give themfelves unto the Word and Prayer, that they labour continually in the Word andDoecrine, and all thofe other Duties which in the Scripture are pre- fcribed unto them ; and this not only as unto the Matter of them, but as unto the Manner oftheir performance withZeal, Love, Compaílion and Diligence. Where there is a great 13efed in anyof thofe things,onwhat Pre- tence foever it be ; Where Men efteem themfelves ex- empted from this Work, or not obliged unto it , when they fùppofe that they may difcharge their Office at a cheaper rate, and with lets trouble, as unto_their prefent Intereft, by fuch wayes as I {hall not here exprefs, No Man is, no Man can be obliged to confine his Church Communion, unto fuch a Miniftry.. (4.) It is required that they be Examples, unto the Flock, in the Expreffion of the Nature and Power of the Doétrine which they Preach, in their Converfation,, efpecially in Zeal, Humility, Self-denial, and readinefs for. the Crofs. Where thofe things are not, there is fuch a defe& in. the Fundamentals of Church Pra&ife as unto the Mini- f ry of it, that no man who takes care of his own Edi- fication, can joyn himfelf unto a Church, labouring under it. For Minifters and Churches are nothing but inftituted means ofthe Converfion of Sinners, and the Edification ofBelievers. Andwhen any ofthem through . their own default ceafe fo to be, there is noObligation untoany man to joyn or continue in their Communion;.. nor do they contra& any Guilt in a peaceable departure from them, but difcharge their Duty. That this be done
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