The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

THIS blessed Example given us by the Wisdom of the Apostles, yea, of the spirit of God in them, being eminently suited unto the nature of the thing it self, as we shall see immediately, compliant with all other directions, and Apostolical examples in the like case, is rather to be followed, than the practice of some degenerate Churches, who to cover the turpitude of acting in deserting this Example and Rule, do make use of a mock-show and pretence of that which really they deny, reject and oppose.

THIS blessed Example given us by the Wisdom of the Apostles, yea, of the spirit of God in them, being eminently suited unto the nature of the thing it self, as we shall see immediately, compliant with all other directions, and Apostolical examples in the like case, is rather to be followed, than the practice of some degenerate Churches, who to cover the turpitude of acting in deserting this Example and Rule, do make use of a mock-shew and pretence of that which really they deny, reject and oppose.

THE Second Example we have of the practice of the Apostles in this case, whereby the preceding Rule is confirmed, is given us, Act. 6. in the Election of the Deacons. Had there ensued after the choice of Matthias an instance of a diverse practice, by an exclusion of the consent of the people, the former might have been evaded, as that which was absolutely extraordinary, and not obliging unto the Church. But this was the very next instance of the call of any Church-Officer; and it was the first appointment of any ordinary Officers in the Christian Church. For it falling out in the very year of Christs Ascension, there is no mention of any ordinary Elders distinct from the Apostles, ordained in that Church. For all the Apostles themselves yet abiding there for the most part of this time, making only some occasional Excursions unto other places, were able to take care of the Rule of the Church, and the Preaching of the Word. They are indeed mentioned as those ⟨p. 65⟩who were well known in the Church not long afterwards, Chap. 11.30. But the first instance of the Call or Ordinary Teaching-Elders or Pastors is not recorded. That of Deacons is so by reason of the occasion of it. And we may observe concerning it unto our purpose,