A53732:473
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.
8. AS we observed at the entrance of this Chapter, the whole Work of the Church, as unto Authoritative Teaching and Rule, is committed unto the Elders. For Authoritative Teaching and Ruling, is Teaching and Ruling by virtue of ⟨p. 136⟩Office: And this Office whereunto they do belong, is that of Elders, as it is undeniably attested, Act. 20.17, &c. All that belongs unto the Care, Inspection, Oversight, Rule and Instruction of the Church, is committed unto the Elders of it expressly. For Elders is a Name derived from the Jews, denoting them that have Authority in the Church.1 The First signification of the Word in all Languages respects Age. Elders are Old Men, well stricken in years; unto whom respect and reverence is due by the Law of Nature and Scripture Command; unless they forfeit their Privilege by levity or wickedness, which they often do. Now Ancient Men were originally judged, if not only, yet the most meet for Rule, and were before others constantly called thereunto. Hence, the Name of Elders was appropriated unto them, who did Preside and Rule over others in any kind.
8. AS we observed at the entrance of this Chapter, the whole Work of the Church, as unto Authoritative Teaching and Rule, is committed unto the Elders. For Authoritative Teaching and Ruling, is Teaching and Ruling by virtue of ⟨p. 136⟩Office: And this Office whereunto they do belong, is that of Elders, as it is undeniably attested, Act. 20.17, &c. All that belongs unto the Care, Inspection, Oversight, Rule and Instruction of the Church, is committed unto the Elders of it expresly. For Elders is a Name derived from the Jews, denoting them that have Authority in the Church.1 The First signification of the Word in all Languages respects Age. Elders are Old Men, well stricken in years; unto whom respect and reverence is due by the Law of Nature and Scripture Command; unless they forfeit their Privilege by levity or wickedness, which they often do. Now Ancient Men were originally judged, if not only, yet the most meet for Rule, and were before others constantly called thereunto. Hence, the Name of Elders was appropriated unto them, who did Preside and Rule over others in any kind.