The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

9. THE Exceptions which are usually put in unto this Testimony, have not the least countenance from the Text or Context, nor the matter treated of, nor Confirmation […] ⟨p. 158⟩any other Divine Testimony. It is therefore in vain to contend about them, being such as any Man may multiply at his pleasure on the like occasion; and used by those who on other considerations, are not willing that things should be as they are here declared to be by the Apostle. Yet we may take a brief Specimen of them. Some say it is Gifts absolutely without respect unto distinct Offices, that the Apostle Treats of; which hath been disproved from the Text and Context before. Some say that Rule is included in the Pastoral Office, so as that the Pastor only is here intended. But, (1.) Rule is not his principal Work, which he is to attend unto in a peculiar manner with diligence above other parts of his Duty. (2.) The care of the Poor of the Flock belongs also to the Pastoral Office, yet is there another Office appointed to attend unto it in a peculiar manner, Act. 6. (3.) He that Ruleth, is in this place expressly distinguished from him that Exhorteth, and him that Teacheth. Some say, that he that Ruleth, is he that Ruleth his Family. But this is disproved by the Analysis of the Chapter before declared. And this Duty, which is common unto all that have Families, and confined unto their Families, is ill placed among those public Duties, which are designed unto the Edification of the whole Church. It is objected, that he that Ruleth, is here placed after him that giveth, that is the Deacon; I say then it cannot be the Pastor that is intended; if we may prescribe Methods of expressing himself unto the Apostle. But he useth his Liberty, and doth not oblige himself unto any Order in the annumeration of the Offices of the Church; see 1 Cor. 12.8, 9, 10, 28. And some other Exceptions are insisted on of the same nature and importance, which indeed deserve not our consideration.

9. THE Exceptions which are usually put in unto this Testimony, have not the least countenance from the Text or Context, nor the matter treated of, nor Confirmation 〈…〉 ⟨p. 158⟩