The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

WHEREAS this is the constant use of the word in the Scripture, (being principally used by this Apostle in his Writings) wherein it is distinctive and comparative of the things and persons, that respect is had unto; it is to no purpose to pretend that it is here used in another sense, or is otherwise applied; unless they can prove from the Context that there is a necessity of their peculiar Interpretation of it.

WHEREAS this is the constant use of the word in the Scripture, (being principally used by this Apostle in his Writings) wherein it is distinctive and comparative of the things and persons, that respect is had unto; it is to no purpose to pretend that it is here used in another sence, or is otherwise applied; unless they can prove from the Context that there is a necessity of their peculiar Interpretation of it.

3. THE use of the word, in other Authors, is concurrent with that of it in the Scripture, Herodian. Lib. 2. [Greek or Hebrew] The Syrians are naturally lovers of Festivals; especially they that dwell at Antioch. It is the same phrase of Speech with that here used. For all they that dwelt at Antioch were Syrians; but all the Syrians dwelt not at Antioch. There is a distinction and distribution made of the Syrians into two sorts: Such as were Syrians only, and such as being Syrians, dwelt at Antioch, the Metropolis of the Country. If a Man should say, that all English Men were Stout and Courageous, especially the Londoners; he would both affirm the Londoners to be Englishmen, and distinguish them from the rest of their Countrymen. So, all that labour in the Word and Doctrine, are Elders; but all Elders do not labour in the Word and Doctrine, ⟨p. 149⟩nor is it their Duty so to do; these we call Ruling Elders and, as I judge, rightly.

3. THE use of the word, in other Authors, is concurrent with that of it in the Scripture, Herodian. Lib. 2. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 The Syrians are naturally lovers of Fetivals; especially they that dwell at Antioch. It is the same phrase of Speech with that here used. For all they that dwelt at Antioch were Syrians; but all the Syrians dwelt not at Antioch. There is a distinction and distribution made of the Syrians into two sorts: Such as were Syrians only, and such as being Syrians, dwelt at Antioch, the Metropolis of the Country. If a Man should say, that all English Men were Stout and Couragious, especially the Londoners; he would both affirm the Londoners to be Englishmen, and distinguish them from the rest of their Countrymen. So, all that labour in the Word and Doctrine, are Elders; but all Elders do not labour in the Word and Doctrine,