A53732:541
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. IN the Distribution which ensues of Prophecy, into Exhorting and Teaching; and of Ministry into Showing, Mercy, Rule, and Giving; having stated these Gifts in general, in the Officers in general, making distinct Application of them unto distinct Officers, he speaks in the Singular number, ⟨p. 155⟩[Greek or Hebrew]. He that Teacheth, he that Exhorteth, he that Ruleth.
3. IN the Distribution which ensues of Prophecy, into Exhorting and Teaching; and of Ministry into Shewing, Mercy, Rule, and Giving; having stated these Gifts in general, in the Officers in general, making distinct Application of them unto distinct Officers, he speaks in the Singular number, ⟨p. 155⟩〈non-Latin alphabet〉. He that Teacheth, he that Exhorteth, he that Ruleth.
6. IT is then evident that Offices are intended; and it is no less evident, that distinct Offices are so, which was to be proved in the Second place. For, (1.) The distributive Particle [Greek or Hebrew], and the indicative Article [Greek or Hebrew], prefixed unto each Office in particular, do show them distinct, so far as Words can do it. As by the Particle [Greek or Hebrew], whether, they are distinguished in their nature; whether they be of this or that kind; so by the Article prefixed to each of them in exercise, they are distinguished in their Subjects. (2.) The Operations, Work, and Effects ascribed unto these Gifts, require distinct Offices and Functions in their exercise. And if the Distribution be made unto all promiscuously without respect unto distinct Offices, it were the only way to bring confusion into the Church, whereas, indeed here is an accurate Order in all Church Administrations represented to us. And it is farther evident that distinct Offices are intended. (1.) From the comparison made unto the Members of the Body, ver. 4. All the Members have not the same Office; the eye hath one, the ear hath another. (2.) Each of the Duties mentioned and given in charge, is sufficient for a distinct Officer, as is declared