A. Seeing the Kingdom of Christ is not of this World, but Heavenly and Spiritual; and the Government of his Kingdom is not Lordly, but Stewardly and Ministerial, and to labour in Administration of Exhortation and Doctrine, is the proper work of Pastor & Teacher: It remains to be the Office of the Ruling Elder, to assist the Pastor & Teacher, in all other Acts of Rule besides, as becomes good Stewards of the Household of God. And therefore to put Instances: As, First, To open & shut the Poors of God's House, by Admission of Members, by Ordination of Officers, by Excommunication of notorious and obstinate Offenders. Secondly, To see none in the Church live inordinately, without ⟨p. 22⟩a Calling, or idly in their Calling. Thirdly, To prevent or heal Offences, either in Life or Doctrine, that might corrupt their own Church, or other Churches also, if their Counsel be required. Fourthly, To prepare Matters for the Church Consideration, and to moderate the carriage of all things in the Church-Assemblies; as to propound Matters to the Church, and order the season of Speech and Silence. Fifthly, To feed the Flock of God with a word of Admonition; and as they shall be called, to Visit and Pray over their Sick Brethren, Rom 12.8 1 Tim. 5.17. Math 20.25, 26 Luke 12.42 Mat 16.19, 20 Acts 17.28, 29 Acts 14.23 Mat 18.17, 18 Rev 2.14, 15, 20 2 Thes. 3.10.11, 12 & 5.14 Acts 14.15 1 Thes 5.12, 13
A. Seeing the Kingdom of Christ is not of this World, but Heavenly and Spiritual; and the Government of his Kingdom is not Lordly, but Stewardly and Ministerial, and to labour in Administration of Exhortation and Doctrine, is the proper work of Pastor & Teacher: It remains to be the Office of the Ruling Elder, to assist the Pastor & Teacher, in all other Acts of Rule besides, as becomes good Stewards of the Houshold of God. And therefore to put Instances: As, First, To open & shut the Poors of God's House, by Admission of Members, by Ordination of Officers, by Excommunication of notorious and obstinate Offenders. Secondly, To see none in the Church live inordinately, without ⟨p. 22⟩a Calling, or idly in their Calling. Thirdly, To prevent or heal Offences, either in Life or Doctrine, that might corrupt their own Church, or other Churches also, if their Counsel be required. Fourthly, To prepare Matters for the Church Consideration, and to moderate the carriage of all things in the Church-Assemblies; as to propound Matters to the Church, and order the season of Speech and Silence. Fifthly, To feed the Flock of God with a word of Admonition; and as they shall be called, to Visit and Pray over their Sick Brethren, Rom 12.8 1 Tim. 5.17. Math 20.25, 26 Luke 12.42 Mat 16.19, 20 Acts 17.28, 29 Acts 14.23 Mat 18.17, 18 Rev 2.14, 15, 20 2 Thes. 3.10.11, 12 & 5.14 Acts 14.15 1 Thes 5.12, 13
