A53732:492
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.
3. THIS is the substance of the Truth in the Text. There are Elders in the Church; there are or ought to be so in every Church. With these Elders the whole Rule of the Church is entrusted; all these, and only they, do Rule in it. Of these Elders there are two sorts, for a description is given of one sort distinctive from the other, and comparative with it. The First sort doth Rule, and also labour in the Word and Doctrine. That these Works are distinct and different was before declared. Yet, as distinct Works, they are not incompatible, but are committed unto the same Person. They are so unto them, who are not Elders only, but moreover Pastors or Teachers. Unto Pastors and Teachers, as such, there belongs no Rule; although, by the institution of Christ, the Right of Rule be inseparable from their Office. For all that are rightfully called thereunto are Elders also, which gives them an Interest in Rule. They are Elders with the Addition of Pastoral or Teaching Authority. But there are Elders which are not Pastors or Teachers. For there are some who Rule well, but labour not in the Word and Doctrine; that is, who are not Pastors or Teachers.
3. THIS is the substance of the Truth in the Text. There are Elders in the Church; there are or ought to be so in every Church. With these Elders the whole Rule of the Church is intrusted; all these, and only they, do Rule in it. Of these Elders there are two sorts, for a description is given of one sort distinctive from the other, and comparative with it. The First sort doth Rule, and also labour in the Word and Doctrine. That these Works are distinct and different was before declared. Yet, as distinct Works, they are not incompatible, but are committed unto the same Person. They are so unto them, who are not Elders only, but moreover Pastors or Teachers. Unto Pastors and Teachers, as such, there belongs no Rule; although, by the institution of Christ, the Right of Rule be inseparable from their Office. For all that are rightfully called thereunto are Elders also, which gives them an Interest in Rule. They are Elders with the Addition of Pastoral or Teaching Authority. But there are Elders which are not Pastors or Teachers. For there are some who Rule well, but labour not in the Word and Doctrine; that is, who are not Pastors or Teachers.