The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

3dly. HEREUNTO also belongs the disposal of the outward concernments of the Church in its Assemblies, and in the management of all that is performed in them, that all things may be done Decently and in Order. The disposal of Times, Seasons, Places, the way and manner of managing all things in Church-Assemblies, the Regulation of Speeches and Actions, the appointment of Seasons for extraordinary Duties, according unto the General Rules of the Word, and the Reason of things from present Circumstances, are Acts of Rule, whose Right resides in the Elders of the Church.

THESE things being premised, we may consider what is the Work and Duty of that sort of Elders, which we have proved to be placed by Christ for Rule in the Church. For, considering that which hath been spoken before concerning the Pastoral Office, or the Duty of Teaching-Elders of the Church, and what hath now been added concerning its Rule in general; I cannot but admire that any one Man should have such a confidence in his own Abilities, as to suppose himself meet and able for the Discharge of the Duties of both sorts in the least Church of Christ that can well be supposed. Yea, supposing more Teaching-Elders in every Church than one, yet if they are all and every one of them equally bound to give themselves unto the Word and Prayer, so as not to be diverted from that Work by any inferior Duties, if they are obliged to labour in the Word and Doctrine to the utmost of their strength continually, it will appear at length to be necessary, that there should be some whose peculiar Office and Duty is to attend unto Rule with Diligence. And the Work of these Elders consists in the things ensuing.

1. THEY are joined unto the Teaching Elders in all Acts and Duties of Church-Power, for the Rule and Government of the Church. Such are those before declared. This is plain in the Text,