As there were in the Jewish church elders of the people joined with the priests and Levites in the government of the church;[1] so Christ, who hath instituted government, and governors ecclesiastical in the church, hath furnished some in his church, beside the ministers of the word, with gifts for government, and with commission to execute the same when called thereunto, who are to join with the minister in the government of the church.[2] Which officers reformed churches commonly call Elders.
Of the Officers of a particular Congregation.
For officers in a single congregation, there ought to be one at the least, both to labour in the word and doctrine, and to rule. [3]
[1] 2 Chron. 19:8,9,10.
[2] Rom. 12:7,8. 1 Cor. 12:28.
[3] Prov. 29:18. 1 Tim. 5:17. Heb. 13:7.
