A53732:522
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. IF the labour of Evangelists, or of them who travelled up and down to Preach the Word be intended, then it is so, either because this is the proper signification of the word, or because it is constantly used elsewhere to express that kind of Labour. But the contrary unto both of these is evident from all places wherein it is used. So is it expressly applied to fixed Elders, 1 Thess. 5.12. We exhort you, Brethren, to know, [Greek or Hebrew], them that labour among you; who are the Rulers and Instructors.
3. IF the labour of Evangelists, or of them who travelled up and down to Preach the Word be intended, then it is so, either because this is the proper signification of the word, or because it is constantly used elsewhere to express that kind of Labour. But the contrary unto both of these is evident from all places wherein it is used. So is it expresly applied to fixed Elders, 1 Thess. 5.12. We exhort you, Brethren, to know, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, them that labour among you; who are the Rulers and Instructers.
IT is therefore evident, that this Word expresseth no more but what is the ordinary Indispensable Duty of every Teaching Elder, Pastor or Minister, And if it be so, then those Elders, that is Pastors or Teachers, that do not perform and discharge it, are not worthy of double Honour. Nor would the Apostle give any countenance unto them, who were any way remiss or negligent, in comparison of others, in the discharge of their Duty; see 1 Thess. 5.12.