The second part of the Question is, concerning the Relation of the same person to more Churches than one at the same time, and his undertaking to discharge the duty of his relation unto them, as an Elder or Minister. And this also is irregular and unwarrantable. Now a man may hold the relation of an Elder, Pastor, or Minister unto more Churches▪ than one two ways; First, formally and directly, by all equal formal interest in them, undertaking the Pastoral charge equally and alike of them, being called alike to them and ⟨p. 139⟩accepting of such a relation. (2) virtually; when by virtue of his relation unto one Church he puts forth his power or authority in Ministerial acts in, or towards another. The First way is unlawful, and destructive both of the Office and duty of a Pastor. For as Elders are ordained in, and unto the Churches respectively that they are to take care of; Acts 14.23. Tit. 1.5. And their office power consists in a relation unto the Church that they are set over, so they are commanded to attend unto the service of the Churches wherein, and whereunto, they are so ordained. Act. 20.28. 1 Peter 1.2. And that with all diligence care and watchfulness, as those that must give an account, Heb. 13.17. which no man is able to do towards more Churches than one, the same duty being at all times to be performed towards all. And because the whole authority of the Elders▪ Pastors, or Bishops of Churches, is ministerial▪ • Cor. 4.1. consisting in a power of acting upon the command of Christ, they are bound in their own persons to the discharge of their duty ⟨p. 140⟩and Office, without the least pretence of authority to delegate another, or others, to act their part or to do their duty, which would be an effect of autocratorical authority, and not of obedience or Ministry. The latter way also of relation unto many Churches is unwarrantable; For (1) It hath no warrant in the Scripture; no Law, nor constitution of Christ, or his Apostles, can be produced to give it countenance; but Elders were ordained to their own Churches, and commanded to attend unto them. (2) No rule is given unto any Elders how they should behave themselves in reference unto more Churches than one, in the exercise of their ministerial power, as there are rules given unto every one for the discharge of that duty in the Church whereunto he is related.
The second part of the Question is, concerning the Relation of the same person to more Churches than one at the same time, and his undertaking to discharge the duty of his relation unto them, as an Elder or Minister. And this also is irregular and unwarrantable. Now a man may hold the relation of an Elder, Pastor, or Minister unto more Churches▪ than one two wayes; First, formally and directly, by all equal formal interest in them, undertaking the Pastoral charge equally and alike of them, being called alike to them and ⟨p. 139⟩accepting of such a relation. (2) virtually; when by virtue of his relation unto one Church he puts forth his power or authority in Ministerial acts in, or towards another. The First way is unlawful, and destructive both of the Office and duty of a Pastor. For as Elders are ordained in, and unto the Churches respectively that they are to take care of; Acts 14.23. Tit. 1.5. And their office power consists in a relation unto the Church that they are set over, so they are commanded to attend unto the service of the Churches wherein, and whereunto, they are so ordained. Act. 20.28. 1 Peter 1.2. And that with all diligence care and watchfulness, as those that must give an account, Heb. 13.17. which no man is able to do towards more Churches than one, the same duty being at all times to be performed towards all. And because the whole authority of the Elders▪ Pastors, or B•shops of Churches, is ministerial▪ • Cor. 4.1. consisting in a power of acting upon the command of Christ, they are bound in their own persons to the discharge of their duty ⟨p. 140⟩and Office, without the least pretence of authority to delegate another, or others, to act their part or to do their duty, which would be an effect of autocratorical authority, and not of obedience or Ministry. The latter way also of relation unto many Churches is unwarrantable; For (1) It hath no warrant in the Scripture; no Law, nor constitution of Christ, or his Apostles, can be produced to give it countenance; but Elders were ordained to their own Churches, and commanded to attend unto them. (2) No rule is given unto any Elders how they should behave themselves in reference unto more Churches than one, in the exercise of their ministerial power, as there are rules given unto every one for the discharge of that duty in the Church whereunto he is related.
