The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

BUT this, and sundry other things of the like nature, proceed from the corruption of that Traditional notion, which is true in it self and continued among all sorts of Christians; namely, that there ought to be some on whom the Rule of the Church is in an especial manner incumbent, and whose principal Work it is to attend thereunto. For the great depravations of all Church Government, proceed from the Corruption and Abuse of this notion, which in it self, and its original, is true and sacred. Herein also, Malum habitat in alieno fundo. There is no corruption in Church-Order or Rule, but is corruptly derived from, or is set up as an Image of some Divine Institution.

4. THE Work of Rule, as distinct from Teaching, is in general to watch over the walking or conversation of the Members of the Church with Authority, Exhorting, Comforting, Admonishing, Reproving, Encouraging, Directing of them, as occasion shall require. The Gifts necessary hereunto, are Diligence, Wisdom, Courage and Gravity, as we shall see afterwards. The Pastoral Work, is principally to reveal the whole Counsel of God, to divide the Word aright, or to labour in the Word and Doctrine, both as unto the general Dispensation, and particular Application of it, in all seasons, and on all occasions.

4. THE Work of Rule, as distinct from Teaching, is in general to watch over the walking or conversation of the Members of the Church with Authority, Exhorting, Comforting, Admonishing, Reproving, Incouraging, Directing of them, as occasion shall require. The Gifts necessary hereunto, are Diligence, Wisdom, Courage and Gravity, as we shall see afterwards. The Pastoral Work, is principally to reveal the whole Counsel of God, to divide the Word aright, or to labour in the Word and Doctrine, both as unto the general Dispensation, and particular Application of it, in all seasons, and on all occasions.