A53732:487
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.
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, Tit. 3.8.14. [Greek or Hebrew] is the whole Presidency in the Church, with respect unto its Rule. Translators agree in the reading of these Words, so the Hebrew of Munster, [Greek or Hebrew], The Elders of the Congregation who well discharge their Rule or Conduct. So the Syriac, [Greek or Hebrew], Those Elders. Qui bene ⟨p. 142⟩praesunt Presbyteri; Vul Lat. Seniori che Governano been; Ital. All agree that it is the Governors and the Government of the Church in general that is here intended. [Greek or Hebrew] is the Word most controverted. All Translators esteem it distinctive, Heb. [Greek or Hebrew], Eminently; Sir. [Greek or Hebrew], Chiefly, Principally; Maxim. [Greek or Hebrew], who labour painfully, labour to weariness; travail in the Word and Doctrine.
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 uncontroulable evidence, if it had any thing to conflict withal but prejudices and interest; and this is 1 Tim. 5.17. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, is Praesum, Praesidio; to Preside, to Rule. Praesident probati Seniores. Tertull. And the Bishop or Pastor in Justin Martyr, is . So is the Word constantly used in the New Testament,