The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

THE only Objection usually insisted on, that is by Bellarmine and those that follow him, is, That this being the Election of Deacons to manage the Alms of the Church, that is somewhat of their Temporals, nothing can thence be concluded unto the right or way of Calling Bishops, Pastors or Elders, who are to take care of the Souls of the People. They may indeed be able to judge of the fitness of them who are to be entrusted with their Purses, or what they are willing to give out of them; but it doth not thence follow, that they are able to judge of the fitness of those who are to be their Spiritual Pastors, nor to have the choice of them.

NOTHING can be weaker than this pretence or evasion. For, (1.) The Question is concerning the Calling of Persons unto Office in the Church in general, whereof we have here a Rule, whereunto no exception is any way entered. (2.) This cannot be fairly pleaded by them who appoint Deacons to Preach, Baptize and Officiate publicly in all holy things, excepting only the Administration of the Eucharist. (3.) If the people are meet and able to judge of them who are of honest report, and full of the Holy Ghost and Wisdom, which is here required of them, they are able to judge who are meet to be their Pastors. (4.) The Argument holds strongly on the other side; namely, that if it be right and equal, if it be of divine appointment and Apostolical practice, that the people should choose those who were to Collect and Distribute their Charitable Benevolence because of their concernment therein, much more are they to enjoy the same Liberty, Right and Privilege in the choice of their Pastors, unto whom they commit the care of their Souls, and submit themselves unto their Authority in the Lord.

NOTHING can be weaker than this pretence or evasion. For, (1.) The Question is concerning the Calling of Persons unto Office in the Church in general, whereof we have here a Rule, whereunto no exception is any way entred. (2.) This cannot be fairly pleaded by them who appoint Deacons to Preach, Baptize and Officiate publickly in all holy things, excepting only the Administration of the Eucharist. (3.) If the people are meet and able to judge of them who are of honest report, and full of the Holy Ghost and Wisdom, which is here required of them, they are able to judge who are meet to be their Pastors. (4.) The Argument holds strongly on the other side; namely, that if it be right and equal, if it be of divine appointment and Apostolical practice, that the people should choose those who were to Collect and Distribute their Charitable Benevolence because of their concernment therein, much more are they to enjoy the same Liberty, Right and Privilege in the choice of their Pastors, unto whom they commit the care of their Souls, and submit themselves unto their Authority in the Lord.