The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

3. I DO judge it lawful for any Church, from the nature of the thing it self, Scripture, general Rules and Directions, to choose, call and set apart meet Persons unto the Office, Work and Duty of Teachers, without an interest in the Rule of the Church, or the Administration of the Holy Ordinances of Worship. The same thing is practised by many for the substance of it, though not in due order. And, it may be, the practice hereof duly observed, would lead us unto the Original Institution of this Office. But,

4. WHEREAS a Teacher, merely as such, hath no right unto Rule or the Administration of Ordinances, no more than the Doctors among the Jews had right to Offer Sacrifices in the Temple; yet he who is called to be a Teacher, may also at the same time be called to be an Elder; and a Teaching Elder hath the power of all holy Administrations committed to him.

4. WHEREAS a Teacher, meerly as such, hath no right unto Rule or the Administration of Ordinances, no more than the Doctors among the Jews had right to Offer Sacrifices in the Temple; yet he who is called to be a Teacher, may also at the same time be called to be an Elder; and a Teaching Elder hath the power of all holy Administrations committed to him.

5. BUT he that is called to be a Teacher in a peculiar manner, although he be an Elder also, is to attend peculiarly unto that part of his Work from whence he receiveth his Denomination. And so I shall at present dismiss this ⟨p. 125⟩Third Opinion unto farther consideration, if there be any occasion for it.