the flock, which depends upon the Pastors, because the Pastors and Presbyters were for the most part chosen of those that were elder in age, and therefore the greatest part of the flock consisted of youngers. Now their duty is said to be like, not for that it is in the same kinde, that the people should guide their Pastors, as the Pastors do guide the people, but because there is the like reason of both their duties.
Reason 1. Because the same God and Lord both of Pastors & people, hath imposed and prescribed to both their duties. 2. Because that relation which is betwixt the Pastor and people, requires a mutuall intercourse of duty. 3. Because the Pastors labour and care is made void, if the people do not in some sort answer the same. 4. Because the Pastors care and labour, tending to the salvation of the people, deserves it. Use. This may serve to reprove those that are very curious and rigid in exacting their Pastors duty, when in the meane time they are nothing carefull of their own dutie. Doct. 2. The duty of people towards their Pastors consists chiefly in subjection.
Reason 1. Because their Pastors are set over them in Gods name.
2. Because faithfull Pastors propound nothing else to themselves to observe, but the will of God, whereunto subjection and obedience must necessarily be yeelded.
3. Because in the calling of their Pastors, they did either expresly or covertly at least promise this very thing.
Vse. This may serve to reprove those that come unto Sermons, as Judges, to play the Criticks, not to subject themselves to the will of God, and such as cast off all discipline as an intollerable yoke. Doct. 3. There is a kind of subjection also due unto all Christians.
This is gathered from these words, Be yee all subject one to another.
Reason 1. Because as occasion shall serve, we should humble our selves to performe the meanest offices unto our brethren.
2. Because we should submit our selves unto the private admonitions of our brethren.
