The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

AND some things may be observed in general concerning these words.

1. THIS Testimony relates directly unto the Rules and Principles before laid down, directing unto the practice of them. According to the Analogy of these Principles, these Words are to be interpreted. And unless they are overthrown, it is to no purpose to put in exceptions against the sense of this or that Word; the Interpretation of them is to be suited unto the Analogy of the things which they relate unto. If we consider not what is spoken here in consent with other Scriptures treating of the same matter, we depart from all sober Rules of Interpretation.

1. THIS Testimony relates directly unto the Rules and Principles before laid down, directing unto the practice of them. According to the Analogy of these Principles, these Words are to be interpreted. And unless they are overthrown, it is to no purpose to put in exceptions against the sence of this or that Word; the Interpretation of them is to be suited unto the Analogy of the things which they relate unto. If we consider not what is spoken here in consent with other Scriptures treating of the same matter, we depart from all sober Rules of Interpretation.

2. ON this supposition, the Words of the Text have a plain and obvious signification, which at first view presents it self unto the common sense and understanding of all Men. And where there is nothing contrary unto any other Divine Testimony, or Evident Reason, such a sense is constantly to be embraced. There is nothing here of any Spiritual Mystery; but only a direction concerning outward Order in the Church. In such, cases the literal sense of the Words rationally apprehended, is all that we are concerned in. But on the first Proposal of this Text, That the Elders that Rule well, are worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the Word and Doctrine; a rational