The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

THERE are therefore Two sorts of Duties confessedly here mentioned and commanded; the First is Ruling well, the other Labouring in the Word and Doctrine. Suppose that both these, Ruling, and Teaching, are committed to one sort of Persons only, having one and the same Office absolutely, then are some commended who do not discharge their whole Duty, at least not comparatively unto others; which is a vain imagination. That both of them are committed unto one sort of Elders, and one of them only unto another, each discharging its Duty with respect unto its Work, and so both worthy of Honour, is the mind of the Apostle.

THAT which is objected from the following verse, namely, that maintenance belongs unto this double Honour, and so, consequently, that if there be Elders that are employed in the Work of Rule only, that maintenance is due unto them from the Church; I answer, It is so no doubt; if, (1.) The Church be able to make them an Allowance. (2.) If their Work be such as to take up the whole or the greatest part of their industry; and, (3.) If they stand in need of it: Without which Considerations, it may be dispensed withal; not only in them, but in Teaching Elders also.

OUR next Testimony is from the same Apostle, Rom. 12.6, 7.