8. As we observed at the entrance of this chapter, the whole work of the church, as unto authoritative teaching and rule, is com- mitted unto the elders; for authoritative teaching and ruling is teaching and ruling by virtue of office, and this office whereunto they do belong is that of elders, as it is undeniably attested. Acts XX. 17, etc. All that belongs unto the care, inspection, oversight, rule, and instruction of the church, is committed unto the elders of it expressly; for "elders" is a name derived from the Jews, denoting them that have authority in the church. The first signification of the word, in all languages, respects age. Elders are old men, well stricken in years; unto whom respect and reverence is due by the law of nature and Scripture command, unless they forfeit their pri- vilege by levity or wickedness, — which they often do. Now, ancient men were originally judged, if not the only, yet the most meet for rule, and were before others constantly called thereunto. Hence the name of "elders" was appropriated unto them who did preside and rule over others in any kind.
Only, it may be observed that there is in the Scripture no men- tion of nilers that are called elders, but such as are in a subordinate power and authority only. Those who were in supreme, absolute power, as kings and princes, are never called "elders;" but elders by office were such only as had ministerial power under others. Wherefore, the highest officers in the Christian church being called elders, even the apostles themselves, and Peter in particular, 1 Epist. V, 1, 2, it is evident that they have only a ministerial poAver; and so
112 TRUE NATURE OF A GOSPEL CHURCH,
it is declared, verse 4. The pope would now scarce take it well to be esteemed only an elder of the church of Rome, unless it be in the same sense wherein the Turkish monarch is called the Grand Seignior. But those who would be in the church above elders have no office in it, whatever usurpation they may make over it.
9. To the complete constitution of any particular church, or the perfection of its organical state, it is required that there be many elders in it, at least more than one. In this proposition lies the next foundation of the truth which we plead for; and therefore it must be distinctly considered. I do not determine what their num- ber ought to be, nor is it determinable, as unto all churches; for the light of nature sufficiently directs that it is to be proportioned unto the work and end designed. Where a church is numerous, there is a necessity of increasing their number proportionably unto their work. In the days of Cyprian there were in the church of Carthage ten or twelve of them, that are mentioned by name; and at the same time there were a great many in the church of Rome, under Cornelius. Where the churches are small, the number of elders may be so also ; for no office is appointed in the church for pomp or show, but for labour only, and so many are necessary in each office as are able to discharge the work which is allotted unto them. But that church, be it small or great, is not complete in its state, is defective, which hath not more elders than one, which hath not so many as are sufficient for their work.
10. The government of the church, in the judgment and prac- tice of some, is absolutely democratical or 'popular. They judge that all church power or authority is seated and settled in the com- munity of the brethren, or body of the people; and they look on elders or ministers only as servants of the church, not only materi- ally in the duties they perform, and finally for their edification, serv- ing for the good of the church in the things of the church, but formally also, as acting the authority of the church by a mere dele- gation, and not any of their own received directly from Christ by virtue of his law and institution. Hence they do occasionally ap- point persons among themselves, not called unto, not vested with any office, to administer the supper of the Lord, or any other solemn office of worship. On this principle and supposition I see no ne- cessity for any elders at all, though usually they do confer this office on some with solemnity. But as among them there is no direct necessity of any elders for rule, so we treat not at present concern- ing them.
11. Some place the government of many particular churches in a diocesan bishop, with those that act under him and by his autho- rity, according unto the rule of the canon law and the civil constitu- tion of the land. These are so far from judging it necessary that
OF THE RULE OF THE CHURCH, OR OF RULING ELDERS. 113
there should be many elders for rule in every particular church, as that they allow no rule in them at all, but only assert a rule over them. But a church where there is no rule in itself, to be exercised in the name of Christ by its own rulers, officers, guides, immediately presiding in it, is unknown to Scripture and antiquity. Wherefore with these we deal not in this discourse, nor have any apprehension that the power of presenting men, for any pretended disorder, unto the bishop's or chancellor's court is any part of church power or rule.