A53732:452
The true nature of a Gospel church and its government
The true nature of a Gospel church and its government ... by the late pious and learned minister of the Gospel, John Owen ...
London: printed for William Marshall, 1689
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
CHAP. VII. Of the Rule of the Church; or, of Ruling Elders.
1. THE Rule and Government of the Church, or the execution of the Authority of Christ therein, is in the hand of the Elders. All Elders in Office have Rule; and none have Rule in the Church but Elders. As such, Rule doth belong unto them. The Apostles, by virtue of their especial Office, were entrusted with all Church-Power; but therefore they were Elders also; 1 Pet. 5.1. 2 Joh. 1. 3 Joh. 1. ⟨p. 129⟩See Act. 21.17. 1 Tim. 5.17. They are some of them on other accounts, called Bishops, Pastors, Teachers, Ministers, Guides, but what belongs unto any of them in point of Rule, or what interest they have therein, it belongs unto them as Elders, and not otherwise; Act. 20.17, 18.
1. THE Rule and Government of the Church, or the execution of the Authority of Christ therein, is in the hand of the Elders. All Elders in Office have Rule; and none have Rule in the Church but Elders. As such, Rule doth belong unto them. The Apostles, by virtue of their especial Office, were intrusted with all Church-Power; but therefore they were Elders also; 1 Pet. 5.1. 2 Joh. 1. 3 Joh. 1