Five disputations of church-government and worship

The Antecedent is proved thus: if those Texts of Scripture which mention the Office of Presbyters, Acts 20. and 14.23. and many other places do speak of Presbyters as now understood, and not of Prelates, then Ruling is as much essential to their office as Preaching. This is proved▪ 1. From the express wo•ds of the several Texts, which make them Overseers of the flock, Acts 20.28. and to be over the people in the Lord, to whom they are to submit, 1 Thes. 5.12, 13. and Rulers of them, whom they must obey, as well as Preachers to them, Heb 13.7, 17▪ 24. 1 T•m. 3, 4▪ 5. 2. Its proved from common Consent. For, 1. Those that think these Texts speak of Presbyters as now understood, do most commonly confess this sense of the Text, v•z. that it makes them Rulers; only some of them add, that themselves must be Ruled by the Bishops. 2. He that denieth these Texts to speak of such Presbyters, doth confess that those of whom it doth speak, are certainly Rulers of the Church.

The Antecedent is proved thus: if those Texts of Scripture which mention the Office of Presbyters, Acts 20. and 14.23. and many other places do speak of Presbyters as now understood, and not of Prelates, then Ruling is as much essential to their office as Preaching. This is proved▪ 1. From the express wo•ds of the several Texts, which make them Overseers of the flock, Acts 20.28. and to be over the people in the Lord, to whom they are to submit,