A53732:479
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.
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. 1 Tim. 5.17. Phil. 1.1. Tit. 1.5. 1 Pet. 5.1. There is no mention in the Scripture, no mention in Antiquity, of any Church wherein there was not more Elders than One, nor doth that Church answer the Original Pattern, where it is otherwise.