The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

10. WE shall now make Application of these things unto our present purpose. I say then, (1.) Whereas there is a Work of Rule in the Church, distinct from that of Pastoral Feeding. (2.) Whereas this Work is to be attended unto with diligence, which includes the whole Duty of him that attends unto it. And, (3.) That the Ministry of the Word and Prayer, with all those Duties that accompany it, is a full Employment for any Man, and so consequently his principal and proper Work, which it is unlawful for him to be remiss in by attending on another with Diligence. And, (4.) Whereas there ought to be many Elders in every Church, that both the Works of Teaching and Ruling may be constantly attended unto. (5.) That in the Wisdom of the Holy Ghost, distinct Works did require distinct Offices for their discharge; all which we have proved already; our enquiry hereon is, Whether the same Holy Spirit, hath not distinguished this Office of Elders into those two sorts, namely, those who are called unto Teaching and Rule also; and those who are called unto Rule only, which we Affirm.

THE Testimonies whereby the Truth of this Assertion is confirmed, are generally known and pleaded; I shall insist on some of them only, beginning with that which is of uncontrollable evidence, if it had any thing to conflict withal but prejudices and interest; and this is 1 Tim. 5.17. [Greek or Hebrew], is Praesum, Praesidio; to Preside, to Rule. Praesident probati Seniors. Tertull. And the Bishop or Pastor in Justin Martyr, is [Greek or Hebrew]. So is the Word constantly used in the New Testament, Rom. 12.8. [Greek or Hebrew], that Ruleth; 1 Thess. 5.12. [Greek or Hebrew], that are over them, that is, in place of Rule, 1 Tim. 3.4, 5, 12. It is applied unto Family Rule and Government, as it is also unto care and diligence about good Works,