The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

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, 1 Tim. 5.17. Both sorts of Elders are joined and do concur in the same Rule and all the Acts of it; one sort of ⟨p. 172⟩them labouring also in the Word and Doctrine. Of both sorts is the Presbytery or Eldership composed, wherein resides all Church-Authority. And in this conjunction, those of both sorts are every way equal, determining all Acts of Rule by their common suffrage. This gives Order, with a necessary representation of Authority, unto the Church in its Government.

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,