The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

3. It is certain, that the Order very early observed in the Church was one Pastor, [Greek or Hebrew], Praeses, quickly called Episcopus by way of distinction, with many Elders assisting in Rule and Teaching, and Deacons Ministering in the things of this Life, whereby the Order of the Church was preserved, and its Authority represented. Yet I will not deny, but that in each particular Church there may be many Pastors, with an equality of power, if the Edification of the Church doth require it.

3. It is certain, that the Order very early observed in the Church was one Pastor, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, Praeses, quickly called Episcopus by way of distinction, with many Elders assisting in Rule and Teaching, and Deacons Ministring in the things of this Life, whereby the Order of the Church was preserved, and its Authority represented. Yet I will not deny, but that in each particular Church there may be many Pastors, with an equality of power, if the Edification of the Church doth require it.

4. IT was the alteration of the state of the Church from its Primitive Constitution, and Deviation from its First Order, by an occasional coalescency of many Churches into one, by a new form of Churches never appointed by Christ, which came not in until after the end of the Second Century, that gave ⟨p. 128⟩occasion to corrupt this Order into an Episcopal Preeminence, which degenerated more and more into confusion under the Name of Order. And the absolute equality of many Pastors in one and the same Church, is liable unto many inconveniences, if not diligently watched against.

4. IT was the alteration of the state of the Church from its Primitive Constitution, and Deviation from its First Order, by an occasional coalescency of many Churches into one, by a new form of Churches never appointed by Christ, which came not in until after the end of the Second Century, that gave