The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

BUT the custom of having in the Church Teachers, that did publicly explain and vindicate the principles of Religion, is far more Ancient, and of known usage in the Primitive Churches. Such was the Practice of the Church of Alexandria in their School, wherein the famous Panlaenus, Origen and Clemens were Teachers; an imitation whereof was continued in all Ages of the Church.

BUT the custom of having in the Church Teachers, that did publickly explain and vindicate the principles of Religion, is far more Ancient, and of known usage in the Primitive Churches. Such was the Practice of the Church of Alexandria in their School, wherein the famous Panlaenus, Origen and Clemens were Teachers; an imitation whereof was continued in all Ages of the Church.

AND indeed, the continuation of such a peculiar Work and Employment, to be discharged in manner of an Office, is an evidence, that Originally there was such a distinct Office in the Church. For, although in the Roman Church they had instituted sundry Orders of Sacred Officers, borrowed from the Jews or Gentiles, which have no resemblance unto any thing mentioned in the Scripture; yet sundry things abased and ⟨p. 118⟩corrupted by them in Church-Officers, took their occasional rise from what is so mentioned.

THERE are Four Opinions concerning those who are called by this Name in the New Testament.