The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

1. THERE is a Work and Duty of Rule in the Church, distinct from the Work and Duty of Pastoral▪ Feeding, by the Preaching of the Word and Administration of the Sacraments. All agree herein, unless it be Erastus and those that follow him, who seem to oppose it. But their Arguments lie not against Rule in general, which were brutish, but only a Rule by external Jurisdiction in the Elders of the Church. So they grant the general Assertion of the necessity of Rule, for who can deny it? only they contend about the subject of power required thereunto. A Spiritual Rule by virtue of mutual voluntary confederation, for the preservation of Peace, Purity ⟨p. 132⟩and Order in the Church, few of that opinion deny; at least it is not that which they do oppose. For to deny all Rule and Discipline in the Church, with all Administration of Censures in the exercise of a Spiritual Power internally inherent in the Church, is to deny the Church to be a Spiritual Political Society, overthrow its Nature, and frustrate its Institution in direct opposition unto the Scripture. That there is such a Rule in the Christian Church, see Act. 20.28. Rom. 12.8. 1 Cor. 12.28. 1 Tim. 9.5. Chap. 5.17. Heb. 13.7, 17. Revel. 2.3.

2. DIFFERENT and distinct Gifts are required unto the discharge of these distinct Works and Duties. This belongs unto the Harmony of the dispensation of the Gospel. Gifts are bestowed to answer all Duties prescribed. Hence they are the First Foundation of all Power, Work and Duty in the Church. Unto every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the Gift of Christ, that is, Ability for Duty, according to the measure wherein Christ is pleased to grant it;