The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

And we do suppose, that as he hath by his Divine Authority instituted and appointed that such Societies shall be, that he hath made grant of Privileges and Powers to them proper and sufficient for this end; as also that he hath given Laws and Rules, by the observance whereof, they ⟨p. 76⟩may be made partakers of those Privileges and Powers, with a Right unto their Exercise.

ON these suppositions in a Society absolutely voluntary, among those who in their conjunction into it, by their own consent, are every way equal, There can but three things be required unto the actual constitution of Rule and Office among them. And the First is, That there be some among them that are fitted and qualified for the Discharge of such an Office in a peculiar manner above others. This is previous unto all Government, beyond that which is purely natural and necessary. Principio rerum, gentium nationumque imperium penes Reges erat; quos ad fastigium hujus Majestatis, non popularis Ambitio, sed spectata inter bonos moderatio provehebat. Just. So it was in the World, so it was in the Church. Praesident probati quique seniors, honorem istum non pretio sed testimonio adepti. Tertull. This preparation and furniture of some Persons with Abilities and meet Qualifications for Office and Work in the Church, the Lord Christ hath taken on himself, and doth and will effect it in all Generations. Without this there can be neither Office, nor Rule, nor Order in the Church.

ON these suppositions in a Society absolutely voluntary, among those who in their conjunction into it, by their own consent, are every way equal, There can but three things be required unto the actual constitution of Rule and Office among them. And the First is, That there be some among them that are fitted and qualified for the Discharge of such an Office in a peculiar manner above others. This is previous unto all Government, beyond that which is purely natural and necessary. Principio rerum, gentium nationumque imperium penes Reges erat; quos ad fastigium hujus Majestatis, non popularis Ambitio, sed spectata inter bonos moderatio provehebat. Just. So it was in the World, so it was in the Church. Praesident probati quique seniores, honorem istum non pretio sed testimonio adepti. Tertull. This preparation and furniture of some Persons with Abilities and meet Qualifications for Office and Work in the Church, the Lord Christ hath taken on himself, and doth and will effect it in all Generations. Without this there can be neither Office, nor Rule, nor Order in the Church.