The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

3. THE Administration of the Seals of the Covenant is committed unto them as the Stewards of the House of Christ. For unto them the Authoritative Dispensation of the Word is committed, whereunto the Administration of the Seals is annexed. For their principal end is, the peculiar Confirmation and Application of the Word Preached. And herein there are three things that they are to attend unto. (1.) The Times and Seasons of their Administration unto the Churches Edification, especially that of the Lords Supper whose frequency is enjoined. It is the Duty of Pastors to consider all the necessary Circumstances of their Administration, as unto Time, Place, Frequency, Order and Decency. (2.) To keep severely unto the Institution of Christ, as unto the way and manner of their Administration. The gradual introduction of uninstituted Rites and Ceremonies into the Church-Celebration of the Ordinance of the Lords Supper, ended at length in the Idolatry of the Mass. Herein then, alone, and not in bowing, cringing, and vestments, lies the Glory and Beauty of these Administrations; namely, that they are compliant with, and expressive of the Institution of Christ; nor is any thing done in them, but in express obedience unto his Authority. I have received of the Lord, that which I delivered unto you, saith the Apostle in this case, 1 Cor. 11.23. (3.) To take care that these holy things be administered only unto those who are meet and worthy, according unto the Rule of the Gospel. Those who impose on Pastors the promiscuous Administration of these Divine Ordinances, ⟨p. 93⟩or the Application of the Seals unto all without difference, do deprive them of one half of their Ministerial Office and Duty.

3. THE Administration of the Seals of the Covenant is committed unto them as the Stewards of the House of Christ. For unto them the Authoritative Dispensation of the Word is committed, whereunto the Administration of the Seals is annexed. For their principal end is, the peculiar Confirmation and Application of the Word Preached. And herein there are three things that they are to attend unto. (1.) The Times and Seasons of their Administration unto the Churches Edification, especially that of the Lords Supper whose frequency is enjoined. It is the Duty of Pastors to consider all the necessary Circumstances of their Administration, as unto Time, Place, Frequency, Order and Decency. (2.) To keep severely unto the Institution of Christ, as unto the way and manner of their Administration. The gradual introduction of uninstituted Rites and Ceremonies into the Church-Celebration of the Ordinance of the Lords Supper, ended at length in the Idolatry of the Mass. Herein then, alone, and not in bowing, cringing, and vestments, lies the Glory and Beauty of these Administrations; namely, that they are compliant with, and expressive of the Institution of Christ; nor is any thing done in them, but in express obedience unto his Authority. I have received of the Lord, that which I delivered unto you, saith the Apostle in this case,