The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

2dly. THE Rule and Law of the exercise of Power in the Elders of the Church, is the Holy Scripture only. The Lord Christ is the only Law-giver of the Church; all his Laws unto this end are recorded in the Scripture; no other Law is effectual, can oblige or operate upon the object or unto the ends of Church-Rule. If the Church make a Thousand Rules or Canons, or Laws for Government, neither any of them, nor all of them in general, have any the least power to oblige Men ⟨p. 169⟩unto obedience or compliance with them, but only so far, as virtually and materially they contain what is of the Law of Christ, and derives force from thence. As the Judges in our Courts of Justice, are bound to judge and determine in all cases, out of and according to the Law of the Land; and when they do not, their Sentence is of no validity, but may and ought to be reversed. But if wilfully or of choice, they should introduce Laws or Rules not legally established in this Nation, judging according unto them, it would render them highly criminal and punishable. It is no otherwise in the Kingdom of Christ, and the Rule thereof. It is by his Law alone that Rule is to be exercised in it. There is nothing left unto the Elders of the Church, but the Application of his Laws, and the General Rules of them unto particular cases and occasions. To make, to bring, to execute any other Rules, Laws or Canons in the Government of his Church, is to usurp on his Kingly Dominion, whereunto all Legislative Power in the Church is appropriate. Nor is it possible that any thing can fall out in the Church, that any thing can be required in the Rule of it, nor can any instance be given of any such thing, wherein, for the ends of Church-Rule, there is or can be any more left unto the Rulers of it, but only the Application and Execution of the Laws of Christ. Unto this Application to be made in a due manner, the Wisdom and Skill before described is requisite, and that alone. Where there are other Laws, Rules or Canons of the Government of the Church; and where the Administration of them is directed by Laws Civil or Political, there is a skill in them required unto that Administration, as all will confess. So is the Wisdom we before described, and that alone, necessary unto that Rule of the Church which the Lord Christ hath ordained; the Instrument and means whereof, is his Word and Law alone.