The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

2. HE appointed this Office for continuance, or to abide in the Church unto the consummation of all things, Ephes. 4.13. Matth. 28.19. And therefore he took order by his Apostles, that for the continuation of this Office, Pastors, Elders or Bishops, should be called and ordained unto the care and discharge of it in all Churches; which was done by them accordingly, Act. 14.22, 23. Chap. 20.28. 1 Tim. 3.1, 2. Tit. 1.5. ⟨p. 56⟩Wherein he gave Rule unto all Churches unto the end of the World, and prescribed them their Duty.

3. ON this Office, and the discharge of it, he hath laid the whole weight of the Order, Rule and Edification of his Church, in his Name and by virtue of his Authority, Act. 20.28. Col. 4.17. 1 Tim. 3.15. 1 Pet. 5.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Rev. 2.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, &c. Hereon a double necessity of the continuation of this Office doth depend; First, that which ariseth from the precept or command of it, which made it necessary to the Church, on the account of the obedience which it owes to Christ; and Secondly of its being the principal ordinary means of all the ends of Christ in and towards his Church. Wherefore, although he can himself feed his Church in the Wilderness, where it is deprived of all outward instituted means of Edification; yet where this Office fails through its neglect, there is nothing but disorder, confusion and destruction, that will ensue thereon; no promise of Feeding or Edification.