An assertion of the government of the Church of Scotland in the points of…

Thirdly, saith Field, there were some that remained in certain places for governing of those who were already won by the preaching of the Gospel: others travelled with great labour, from place to place, to preach ⟨p. 50⟩Christ to such as had never heard of him. Both these were worthy of double honour, but especially the later, who did not build upon another's foundation, nor govern those whom others had gained. The Poet would here answer: Non minor est virtus quam quaerere parta tueri.

Thirdly, saith Field, there were some that remained in certaine places for governing of those who were already wonne by the preaching of the Gospell: others travelled with great labour, from place to place, to preach ⟨p. 50⟩Christ to such as had never heard of him. Both these were worthy of double honour, but especially the later, who did not build upon anothers foundation, nor governe those whom others had gained. The Poet would here answere: Non minor est virtus quam quaerere parta tueri.

A Physician would haply say, that to prevent the recidivation, is as much worth as the cure. But I answer, 1. There is no such opposition in the Text, but a subordination rather: for Elders who labour in the word and doctrine, are not contra-distinguished from Elders that rule well, but are declared to be one kind of Elders that rule well. 2. Though the Apostles and Evangelists travelled from one Country to another, to preach Christ to such as never heard of him; yet where hath he read that some of these who were mere▪ Presbyters (for of such speaketh the Text in hand) did so likewise? It rather appeareth from Act. 14.23. Tit. 1.5. that Elders were ordained in every City, there to remain at their particular charges, and no Elders find we ordained by the Apostles ordination vaga.