The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

OF Pastoral Feeding there are two parts. (1.) Teaching or Instruction. (2.) Rule or Discipline. Unto these two Heads may all the Acts and Duties of a Shepherd toward his Flock be reduced. And both are intended in the term of feeding, 1 Chron. 11.2. Chap. 17.6. Jer. 23.2. Mic. 5.4. Chap. 7.14. Zech. 11.7. Act. 20.28. Joh. 21.14. 1 Pet. 5.2, &c. wherefore he who is the Pastor, is the Bishop, the Elder, the Teacher of the Church.

THESE Works of Teaching and Ruling may be distinct in several Officers, namely of Teachers and Rulers; but to divide them in the same Office of Pastors, that some Pastors should feed by Teaching only, but have no right to Rule by Virtue of their Office; and some should attend in exercise unto Rule only, not esteeming themselves obliged to labour continually in feeding the Flock, is almost to overthrow this Office of Christs Designation, and to set up two in the room of it, of Mens own projection.

OF the call of Men unto this Office, so many things have been spoken and written by others at large, that I shall only insist, and that very briefly, on some things which are either of the most important consideration, or have been omitted by others: As,