The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

2. A PART of this Wisdom consisteth in an Ability of Mind to make Application of the Law of Christ in all requisite Instances, unto the Edification of the Church in general, and all the Members of it respectively. This Wisdom is not notional only, but practical. It consists not in a speculative comprehension of the sense of the Rule, or of the Mind of Christ therein only, though that be required in the first place; but in an Ability of Mind to make Application of it, whereunto Diligence, Care, Watchfulness and spiritual Courage are required. Some are to be Admonished; some to be Rebuked sharply; some to be cut off; in which and the like cases, a spirit of Government acting it self in Diligence, Boldness and Courage is necessary. And this is one reason why the Lord Christ hath appointed many Elders in each Church, and those of several sorts. For it is seldom that any one Man is qualified for the whole ⟨p. 167⟩work of Rule. Some may have a good understanding in the Law of the Churches Government; yet through a natural Tenderness, and an insuperable kind of Modesty, not be so ready and prompt for that part of this Discipline which consists in Reproofs and Severity of Censures. Some may not have so great an Ability for the Indagation of the sense of the Law as others have; who yet upon the knowledge of it being discovered unto them, have readiness and boldness in Christ to apply it as occasion doth require. All Elders therefore in their variety of Gifts are to be helpful to each other in the common Work, which they are called unto. But such as are utterly destitute of these Gifts, are not called unto this Work; nor any part of it.

2. A PART of this Wisdom consisteth in an Ability of Mind to make Application of the Law of Christ in all requisite Instances, unto the Edification of the Church in general, and all the Members of it respectively. This Wisdom is not notional only, but practical. It consists not in a speculative comprehension of the sence of the Rule, or of the Mind of Christ therein only, though that be required in the first place; but in an Ability of Mind to make Application of it, whereunto Diligence, Care, Watchfulness and spiritual Courage are required. Some are to be Admonished; some to be Rebuked sharply; some to be cut off; in which and the like cases, a spirit of Government acting it self in Diligence, Boldness and Courage is necessary. And this is one reason why the Lord Christ hath appointed many Elders in each Church, and those of several sorts. For it is seldom that any one Man is qualified for the whole