The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

5. YET distinct Works and Duties, though some were furnished with Gifts for both, was a ground in the Wisdom of the Holy Ghost, for distinct Offices in the Church, where one sort of them were as much as those of one Office could ordinarily attend unto, Act. 6.2, 3, 4. Ministration unto the poor of the Church, for the supply of their Temporal Necessities, is an Ordinance of Christ. The Administration hereof, the Apostles were furnished for with Gifts and Wisdom above all others: But yet, because there was another part of their Work and Duty superior hereunto, and of greater necessity unto the Propagation of the Gospel and Edification of the Church, namely, a diligent attendance unto the Word and Prayer, the Wisdom of the Holy Ghost in them thought meet to erect a New Office in the Church, for the discharge of that part of the Ministerial Duty which was to be attended unto; yet, not so as to be any obstruction unto the other. I do not observe this, as if it were lawful for any others after them to do the same; namely, upon a supposition of an especial Work, to erect an especial Office. Only I would demonstrate from hence, the equity and reasonable ground of that Institution, which we shall afterwards evince.

6. THE Work of the Ministry in Prayer, and Preaching of the Word, or labour in the Word and Doctrine, whereunto the Administration of the Seals of the Covenant is annexed, with all the Duties that belong unto the especial Application of these things before insisted on, unto the Flock; are ordinarily sufficient to take up the whole Man, and the utmost of their endowments who are called unto the Pastoral Office in the Church. The very nature of the Work in it self is such, as that the Apostle giving a short description of it, adds as an intimation of its greatness and excellency, Who is sufficient for these things? 2 Cor. 2.16. And the manner of its performance adds unto its weight. For not to mention that intension of Mind in the exercise of Faith, Love, Zeal and Compassion, which is required of them in the discharge of their whole Office; the diligent consideration of the state of the Flock, so as to provide Spiritual Food convenient for them; with a constant attendance