Tis the duty of every member to pray for their pastor and teachers. Brethren,
pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may run and be glorified. Again,
saith Paul, praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance,
to speak the mystery of Christ. Prayer was made without ceasing of the Church
unto God for him. They that neglect this duty seem not to care either for
their minister, or their own souls, or whether sinners be converted, and
the church edified or not. They pray for daily bread, and will they not
pray to have the bread of life plentifully broken to them?
Motives to this.
1. Ministers work is great: Who is sufficient for these things?
2. The opposition is not small which is against them.
3. God's loud call is (as well as ministers themselves) for the saints continual
prayers and supplications for them.
4. Their weakness and temptations are many.
5. The increase and edification of the church depends upon the success of
their ministry.
6. If they fall or miscarry, God is greatly dishonored, and his ways and
people reproached.
2dly, They ought to shew a reverential estimation of them, being Christ's
ambassadors, also called rulers, angels, etc. they that honour them and
receive them, honour and receive Jesus Christ. Esteem them very highly in
love for their work sake. Again, he saith, let the elders that rule well,
be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labor in word and
doctrine: that is, as I conceive, such that are most laborious.
3dly, 'Tis their duty to submit themselves unto them, that is, in all of
their exhortations, good counsels and reproofs; and when they call to any
extraordinary duty, as prayer, fasting, or days of thanksgiving, if they
see no just cause why such days should not be kept, they ought to obey their
pastor or elder, as in other cases also. Obey them that have the rule over
you, and submit your selves.
4thly, It is their duty to take care to vindicate them from the unjust charges
of evil men, or tongue of infamy, and not to take up a reproach against
them by report, nor to grieve their spirits, or weaken their hands.
5thly, 'Tis the duty of members to go to them when under trouble or temptations.
6thly, It is their duty to provide a comfortable maintenance for them and
their families, suitable to their state and condition. Let him that is taught
in the word, communicate to him that teacheth, in all good things. Who goeth
to warfare at his own charge? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of
the fruit thereof? etc. Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they that preach
the Gospel, should live of the Gospel. If we have sown unto you spiritual
things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? They should
minister to them cheerfully with all readiness of mind. Ministers are not
to ask for their bread, but to receive it honourably. The ministers maintenance,
though it is not by tithes, etc. as under the Law, yet they have now as
just a right to a comfortable maintenance as they had then, the equity of
the duty is the same: Our Saviour, saith Dr. Owen, and the Apostles plead
it from the grounds of equity and justice; and all kind of laws and rules
of righteousness among men of all sorts calls for it. 7thly, It is their
duty to adhere to them, and abide by them in all their trials and persecutions
for the Word. Ye were not ashamed of me in my bonds, etc.
8thly, Dr. Owen adds another duty of the members to their pastor, viz. to
agree to come together upon his appointment: When they had come, and had
gathered the church together, etc.