The doctrine of instituted churches explained and proved from the word of God

CHAP. V. Of the Officers of Congregational Churches and their Power.

THE Officers of Congregational Churches are either Elders or Deacons, the Elders are either teaching Elders, or Ruling Elders. The work of the Teaching Elders lies principally in these ⟨p. 11⟩five things; they are to be the mouth of the People to God, both in the public Assembly, and privately in case of sickness, they are to Preach the Word of God, they are to Administer the Seals of the Covenant, they together with the Ruling Elders, are to Govern the Church, and they are to bless the People.

THE Officers of Congregational Churches are either Elders or Deacons, the Elders are either teaching Elders, or Ruling Elders. The work of the Teaching Elders lies principally in these ⟨p. 11⟩five things; they are to be the mouth of the People to God, both in the publick Assembly, and privately in case of sickness, they are to Preach the Word of God, they are to Administer the Seals of the Covenant, they together with the Ruling Elders, are to Govern the Church, and they are to bless the People.

Such Learned Men as are suitably qualified, but not in Office may upon occasion discharge some part of this work; but there are some other parts of it, that they may not meddle with, those Acts which are Acts of Natural Worship may be performed by them, as praying and Preaching; but such Ministerial Acts as do depend wholly upon institution, they may not perform, as the Administration of Sacraments, the dispensing of Censures and an Authoritative blessing; these are performed only by Virtue of an Institution, therefore are to be done only according to an Institution.