The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

4. THERE is in One, Rule required with diligence. He is [Greek or Hebrew], a Ruler; and it is required of him that he attend unto his Work with diligence. And there are but two things required unto the confirmation of our Thesis. (1.) That this Rule is an Act of Office-Power. (2.) That he unto whom it is ascribed, is distinguished from them unto whom the Pastoral and other Offices in the Church are committed.

4. THERE is in One, Rule required with diligence. He is 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, a Ruler; and it is required of him that he attend unto his Work with diligence. And there are but two things required unto the confirmation of our Thesis. (1.) That this Rule is an Act of Office-Power. (2.) That he unto whom it is ascribed, is distinguished from them unto whom the Pastoral and other Offices in the Church are committed.

FOR the First, it is evident that Rule is an Act of Office or of Office-Power: For it requires, (1.) An especial Relation; there is so between him that Ruleth, and them that are Ruled; and this is the Relation of Office, or all confusion will ensue. (2.) Especial Prelation. He that Rules, is over, is above them that are Ruled; Obey them that are over you in the Lord ▪ This in the Church cannot be in any, but by virtue of Office▪ (3.) Especial Authority. All lawful Rule is an Act of Authority; and there is no Authority in the Church, but by virtue of Office. Secondly, That this Officer is distinct from all others in the Church, we shall immediately demonstrate, when we have a little further cleared the Context. Wherefore,

5. IT is confessed that respect is had unto Gifts; having different Gifts, ver. 6, 7. As all Office-Power in the Church is founded in them,