pt2
6. The members of these churches are saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto that call of Christ;
12 and do willingly consent to walk together, according to the appointment of Christ; giving up themselves to the Lord, and one to another, by the will of God, in professed subjection to the ordinances of the Gospel.
13
12. Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:213. Acts 2:41-42, 5:13-14; 2 Corinthians 9:13
7. To each of these churches therefore gathered, according to his mind declared in his word, he has given all that power and authority, which is in any way needful for their carrying on that order in worship and discipline, which he has instituted for them to observe; with commands and rules for the due and right exerting, and executing of that power.
14
14. Matthew 18:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5:4-5, 5:13, 2 Corinthians 2:6-8
8. A particular church, gathered and completely organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers and members; and the officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the church (so called and gathered), for the peculiar administration of ordinances, and execution of power or duty, which he intrusts them with, or calls them to, to be continued to the end of the world, are bishops or elders, and deacons.
15
15. Acts 20:17, 28; Philemon 1:1
9. The way appointed by Christ for the calling of any person, fitted and gifted by the Holy Spirit, unto the office of bishop or elder in a church, is, that he be chosen thereunto by the common suffrage of the church itself;
16 and solemnly set apart by fasting and prayer, with imposition of hands of the eldership of the church, if there be any before constituted therein;
17 and of a deacon that he be chosen by the like suffrage, and set apart by prayer, and the like imposition of hands.
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16. Acts 14:2317. 1 Timothy 4:1418. Acts 6:3, 5-6
10. The work of pastors being constantly to attend the service of Christ, in his churches, in the ministry of the word and prayer, with watching for their souls, as they that must give an account to Him;
19 it is incumbent on the churches to whom they minister, not only to give them all due respect, but also to communicate to them of all their good things according to their ability,
20 so as they may have a comfortable supply, without being themselves entangled in secular affairs;
21 and may also be capable of exercising hospitality towards others;
22 and this is required by the law of nature, and by the express order of our Lord Jesus, who has ordained that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.
23
19. Acts 6:4; Hebrews 13:1720. 1 Timothy 5:17-18; Galatians 6:6-721. 2 Timothy 2:422. 1 Timothy 3:223. 1 Corinthians 9:6-14
11. Although it be incumbent on the bishops or pastors of the churches, to be instant in preaching the word, by way of office, yet the work of preaching the word is not so peculiarly confined to them but that others also gifted and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved and called by the church, may and ought to perform it.
24
24. Acts 11:19-21; 1 Peter 4:10-11
12. As all believers are bound to join themselves to particular churches, when and where they have opportunity so to do; so all that are admitted unto the privileges of a church, are also under the censures and government thereof, according to the rule of Christ.
25
25. 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15
13. No church members, upon any offence taken by them, having performed their duty required of them towards the person they are offended at, ought to disturb any church-order, or absent themselves from the assemblies of the church, or administration of any ordinances, upon the account of such offence at any of their fellow members, but to wait upon Christ, in the further proceeding of the church.
26
26. Matthew 18:15-17; Ephesians 4:2-3
14. As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ,
27 in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces, so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification.
28
27. Ephesians 6:18; Psalms 122:628. Romans 16:1-2; 3 John 8-10
