The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

10. THERE is the same Evidence given unto the Truth argued for, in another Testimony of the same Apostle, 1 Cor. 12.28. God hath set some in the Church, First Apostles, Secondarily Prophets, Thirdly Teachers, after that Miracles, then Gifts of Healings, Helps, Governments, Diversities of Tongues. I shall not insist on this Testimony and its Vindication in particular, seeing many things would be required thereunto, which ⟨p. 159⟩have been Treated of already. Some things may be briefly observed concerning it. That there is here an Annumeration of Officers and Offices in the Church, both extraordinary for that season, and ordinary for continuance, is beyond exception. Unto them is added, the present exercise of some extraordinary Gifts, as Miracles, Healing, Tongues. That by Helps, the Deacons of the Church are intended, most do agree, because their Original Institution was as helpers in the Affairs of the Church. Governments, are Governors or Rulers, the Abstract for the Concrete; that is, such as are distinct from Teachers; such hath God placed in the Church, and such there ought to be. But it is said that Gifts, not Offices are intended; the Gift of Government, or Gift for Government. If so, then these Gifts are either ordinary or extraordinary; if ordinary, how come they to be reckoned among Miracles, Healing, and Tongues? if extraordinary, what extraordinary Gifts for Government were then given distinct from those of the Apostles; and what instance is any where given of them in the Scripture? Again, If God hath given Gifts for Government to abide in the Church, distinct from those given unto Teachers, and unto other Persons than the Teachers, then is there a distinct Office of Rule or Government in the Church, which is all we plead for.

10. THERE is the same Evidence given unto the Truth argued for, in another Testimony of the same Apostle, 1 Cor. 12.28. God hath set some in the Church, First Apostles, Secondarily Prophets, Thirdly Teachers, after that Miracles, then Gifts of Healings, Helps, Governments, Diversities of Tongues. I shall not insist on this Testimony and its Vindication in particular, seeing many things would be required thereunto, which ⟨p. 159⟩