A trial of the new-church way in New-England and in old ... by that…A tryall of the nevv-church vvay in New-England and in old ... by that…

First, it is certain and clear from the Word, that a Pastor or Teacher neither in these days hath, nor in any other age of the Church, ought to have Apostolical power over all Churches. The Apostles had only power to serve the Church with the personal service of their Apostleship. But pastoral power of ordinary Ministers or Teachers they never had: and if the Apostles had not the power of ordinary Ministers, much less can Pastors receive the power of Apostles, for Christ gave both the one and the other order. But as the Apostles were not Pastors of that Church to which they preached, and among whom they continued for some space; no more do Pastors become Apostles if they preach the Word, or dispense the Sacraments to another flock or people beside their own, whereof they have the special oversight. But of this matter we have spoken before, and of the texts of Scripture here alleged, therefore we will not repeat what hath been said already: only it seemeth somewhat strange, that you should cited those texts of Scripture, as if the Apostle had said, feed one flock, or feed that flock of God only. For we find the word (one) or (only) neither in the text expressly, nor in the sense for which it is here alleged, viz. as if he might not perform any ministerial act in another Congregation upon any occasion whatsoever.

First, it is certain and clear from the Word, that a Pastor or Teacher neither in these dayes hath, nor in any other age of the Church, ought to have Apostolicall power over all Churches. The Apostles had onely power to serve the Church with the personall service of their Apostleship. But pastorall power of ordinarie Ministers or Teachers they never had: and if the Apostles had not the power of ordinarie Ministers, much lesse can Pastors receive the power of Apostles, for Christ gave both the one and the other order. But as the Apostles were not Pastors of that Church to which they preached, and among whom they continued for some space; no more do Pastors become Apostles if they preach the Word, or dispence the Sacraments to another flock or people beside their own, whereof they have the speciall oversight. But of this matter we have spoken before, and of the texts of Scripture here alledged, therefore we will not repeat what hath been said alreadie: onely it seemeth somewhat strange, that you should cited those texts of Scripture, as if the Apostle had said, feed one flock, or feed that flock of God onely. For we find the word (one) or (onely) neither in the text expresly, nor in the sense for which it is here alledged, viz. as if he might not perform any ministeriall act in another Congregation upon any occasion whatsoever.