The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

12. OTHERS place the Rule of particular Churches, especially in cases of greatest moment, in an Association, Conjunction or Combination of all the Elders of them in one Society, which is commonly called a Classis. So in all Acts of Rule, there will be a conjunct acting of many Elders. And, no doubt it is the best provision that can be made on a supposition of the continuance of the present Parochial Distribution. But those also of this judgment, who have most weighed and considered the nature of these things, do assert the necessity of many Elders in every particular Church, which is the common judgment and practice of the Reformed Churches in all places.

13. AND some there are, who begin to maintain, That there is no need of any more but One Pastor, Bishop, or Elder, in a particular Church, which hath its Rule in its self; other Elders for Rule being unnecessary. This is a Novel Opinion, contradictory to the sense and practice of the Church in all Ages. And I shall prove the contrary.

13. AND some there are, who begin to maintain, That there is no need of any more but One Pastor, Bishop, or Elder, in a particular Church, which hath its Rule in its self; other Elders for Rule being unnecessary. This is a Novel Opinion, contradictory to the sence and practice of the Church in all Ages. And I shall prove the contrary.

1. THE pattern of the First Churches constituted by the Apostles, which it is our Duty to imitate and follow as our Rule, constantly expresseth and declares, That many Elders were appointed by them in every Church, Act. 11.30. Chap. 14.23. Chap. 15.2, 4, 6, 22. Chap. 16.4. Chap. 20.17, &c.