The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

ONLY it may be observed, that there is in the Scripture no mention of Rulers that are called Elders, but such as are in a subordinate Power and Authority only. Those who were in supreme absolute power, as Kings and Princes, are never called Elders. But Elders by Office, were such only as had a Ministerial Power under others. Wherefore, the highest Officers in the Christian Church being called Elders, even the Apostles themselves, and Peter in particular, 1 Epist. Chap. 5. v. 1.2. it is evident, that they have only a Ministerial Power; and so it is declared ver. 4. The Pope would now scarce take it well to be esteemed only an Elder of the Church of Rome; unless it be in the same sense wherein the Turkish Monarch is called the Grand Signior. But those who would be in the Church above Elders, have no Office in it, whatever usurpation they may make over it.

ONLY it may be observed, that there is in the Scripture no mention of Rulers that are called Elders, but such as are in a subordinate Power and Authority only. Those who were in supream absolute power, as Kings and Princes, are never called Elders. But Elders by Office, were such only as had a Ministerial Power under others. Wherefore, the highest Officers in the Christian Church being called Elders, even the Apostles themselves, and Peter in particular, 1 Epist. Chap. 5. v. 1.2. it is evident, that they have only a Ministerial Power; and so it is declared ver. 4. The Pope would now scarce take it well to be esteemed only an Elder of the Church of Rome; unless it be in the same sence wherein the Turkish Monarch is called the Grand Signior. But those who would be in the Church above Elders, have no Office in it, whatever usurpation they may make over it.

9. TO the complete constitution of any particular Church, or the perfection of its Organical State, it is required that there be many Elders in it; at least more than one. In this proposition lies the next foundation of the Truth which we plead for, and therefore it must be distinctly considered. I do not determine what their number ought to be; nor is it determinable, as unto all Churches. For the Light of Nature sufficiently ⟨p. 137⟩