The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

I do acknowledge that where a Church is greatly increased, so as that there is a necessity of many Elders in it for its Instruction and Rule, that Decency and Order do require, that one of them do in the management of all Church Affairs preside, to guide and direct the way and manner thereof. So the Presbyters at Alexandria did choose one from among themselves that should have the preeminence of a President among them. Whether the Person that is so to preside, be directed unto by being first Converted or first Ordained, or on the account of Age, or of Gifts and Abilities, whether he continue for a Season only, and then another be deputed unto the same Work, or for his Life, are things in themselves indifferent, to be determined according unto the General Rules of Reason and Order, with respect unto the Edification of the Church.

I do acknowledge that where a Church is greatly encreased, so as that there is a necessity of many Elders in it for its Instruction and Rule, that Decency and Order do require, that one of them do in the management of all Church Affairs preside, to guide and direct the way and manner thereof. So the Presbyters at Alexandria did choose one from among themselves that should have the preheminence of a President among them. Whether the Person that is so to preside, be directed unto by being first Converted or first Ordained, or on the account of Age, or of Gifts and Abilities, whether he continue for a Season only, and then another be deputed unto the same Work, or for his Life, are things in themselves indifferent, to be determined according unto the General Rules of Reason and Order, with respect unto the Edification of the Church.

I shall never oppose this Order, but rather desire to see it in practice; namely, that particular Churches were of such an extent, as necessarily to require many Elders both Teaching and Ruling for their Instruction and Government; for the better observation of Order and Decency in the public Assemblies; the fuller Representation of the Authority committed by Jesus Christ unto the Officers of his Church; the occasional instruction of the Members in lesser Assemblies, which as unto some ends may be stated also, with the due attendance unto all other means of Edification and Watching, Inspecting, Warning, Admonishing,