A97353:643
The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their…
The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their principles about civil and ecclesiastical authority and obedience ... : mostly written many years past, and now published to save our lives and the kingdoms peace, from the false and bloody plotters ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for John Hancock, 1680
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
13. About Ruling Elders we are not all of a mind among our selves: some of us think that the Eldership or ministry is but one and the same Office, and that all of them should be ordained and have power of word, Sacraments and Discipline; but that one in a Church (or two) being usually the ablest speakers, the rest quoad exercitium may be usually employed in private Vigilance and Discipline, and some assistance in other parts of worship, except when necessity calls them to Preach. Others think that Elders without power of word and Sacraments, is an Office of Divine Institution: but this maketh no division between us, because we force not each other to subscribe to the same opinions, but can unite in one practice upon different principles.
13. About Ruling Elders we are not all of a mind among our selves: some of us think that the Eldership or ministry is but one and the same Office, and that all of them should be ordained and have power of word, Sacraments and Discipline; but that one in a Church (or two) being usually the ablest speakers, the rest quoad exercitium may be usually imployed in private Vigilance and Discipline, and some assistance in other parts of worship, except when necessity calls them to Preach. Others think that Elders without power of word and Sacraments, is an Office of Divine Institution: but this maketh no division between us, because we force not each other to subscribe to the same opinions, but can unite in one practice upon different principles.
14. It is the Pastors office to hold Church Assemblies for the aforesaid worship: Especially on the Lords Days, which the spirit of God hath separated to such holy exercises.
15. Gods worship must be performed rationally, holily, according to Gods word in all things there determined, and decently, orderly, and to edification in all the undetermined circumstances.