The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

10. THE Government of the Church, in the judgment and practice of some, is absolutely Democratical or Popular. They judge that all Church-Power or Authority, is seated and settled in the Community of the Brethren or Body of the People. And they look on Elders or Ministers, only as Servants of the Church; not only materially in the Duties they perform, and finally for their Edification, serving for the good of the Church, in the things of the Church; but formally also, as acting the Authority of the Church by a mere delegation, and not any of their own received directly from Christ, by virtue of his Law and Institution. Hence, they do occasionally appoint Persons among themselves not called unto, not vested with any Office, to Administer the Supper of the Lord, or any other solemn Offices of Worship. On this principle and supposition, I see no necessity of any Elders at all, though usually they do confer this Office, on some with solemnity. But as among them, there is no direct necessity of any Elders for Rule, so we treat not at present concerning them.

10. THE Government of the Church, in the judgment and practice of some, is absolutely Democratical or Popular. They judge that all Church-Power or Authority, is seated and setled in the Community of the Brethren or Body of the People. And they look on Elders or Ministers, only as Servants of the Church; not only materially in the Duties they perform, and finally for their Edification, serving for the good of the Church, in the things of the Church; but formally also, as acting the Authority of the Church by a meer delegation, and not any of their own received directly from Christ, by virtue of his Law and Institution. Hence, they do occasionally appoint Persons among themselves not called unto, not vested with any Office, to Administer the Supper of the Lord, or any other solemn Offices of Worship. On this principle and supposition, I see no necessity of any Elders at all, though usually they do conferr this Office, on some with solemnity. But as among them, there is no direct necessity of any Elders for Rule, so we treat not at present concerning them.

11. SOME place the Government of many particular Churches in a Diocesan Bishop, with those that act under him, and by his Authority, according unto the Rule of the Canon Law, and the civil constitution of the Land. These are so far from judging it necessary that there should be many Elders for Rule