A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of…

Fifthly, on this account they receive their power from Christ himself alone, and that immediately; for the means used for their participation of it, are not recipient of the power it self formally, nor do authoritatively collate or confer it, only the laws of Christ are ⟨p. 147⟩executed in a way of obedience. So that though they are chosen and set apart to their office by the Church, yet they are made Overseers by the holy-Ghost, Acts 20.28. Though they have their power by the Church, yet they have it not from the Church; nor was that power whereof they are made partakers (as was said) formally resident in the body of the Church, before their participation of it; but really in Christ himself alone, and morally in his word or law. And thence is the rule and guidance of the Church committed unto them by Christ, Heb. 13.7, 17. 1 Pet. 5.2. 1 Tim. 3.5.

Fifthly, on this account they receive their power from Christ himself alone, and that immediately; for the means used for their participation of it, are not recipient of the power it self formally, nor do authoritatively collate or conferr it, only the laws of Christ are ⟨p. 147⟩executed in a way of obedience. So that though they are chosen and set apart to their office by the Church, yet they are made Overseers by the holy-Ghost, Acts 20.28. Though they have their power by the Church, yet they have it not from the Church; nor was that power whereof they are made partakers (as was said) formally resident in the body of the Church, before their participation of it; but really in Christ himself alone, and morally in his word or law. And thence is the rule and guidance of the Church committed unto them by Christ, Heb. 13.7, 17.