Acts xiv, 23. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. Titus i, 5. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee. 1 Cor. xii, 28. And God hath set some in the church; first, apostles; secondarily, prophets; thirdly, teachers; after that miracles; then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues, Eph. iv, 11. And he gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers. Acts xx, 28. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

80. What are the duties of the pastor?

It is the duty of the pastor, to preach the gospel, and to explain, and enforce the scriptures-to conduct the different parts of public worship,to dispense the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper-to administer church discipline -to oversee the religious state of persons and families-and thus to rule in the church according to the laws of Christ.

2 Tim. iv, 3. For the time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. Acts xiii, 15. And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. Cor. x, 16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 Tim. v, 20. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. Acts xx, 28. Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 1 Tim. v, 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.

81. What different names has the person who fills this office, obtained in scripture?

The person who fills this office, has, in scripture, obtained different names, expressive of his various duties. As he has the oversight of the flock of Christ, he is termed "bishop." As he feeds them with spiritual food, he is called " pastor." As he serves Christ in his church, he is styled "minister." As it is his duty to be grave and prudent, and an example to the flock, and to govern well in the house and kingdom of Christ, he is termed "presbyter, or elder." As he is the messenger of God, he is denominated "the angel of the church." As he is sent to declare the will of God to sinners, and to beseech them to be reconciled to God, through Christ, he is named "ambassador." And, as he dispenses the manifold grace of God, and the ordinances instituted by Christ, he is termed "steward of the mysteries of God."

Acts xx, 28. Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Jer. iii, 13. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the Lord. I Pet. v, 1-4. The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. Feed the flock of God, which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock: and when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Rev. ii, 1. Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walkest in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks. 2 Cor. v, 20. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. Luke xii, 42. And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season.

82. Are these names expressive of different gradations of ecclesiastical authority?

No, they are indiscriminately applied in scripture to the same officers; so that among the ministers of the gospel there is no other superiority to be allowed, than such as arises from the influence of age, piety, learning, zeal, or official station.

Matt. xx, 26. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister. 1 Tim. v, 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doetrine.

SECTION III.

Of the identity of Bishops and Presbyters.

83. What title of the christian pastor has been supposed to refer to a superior office in the church?

The title of bishop.

84. What is the literal meaning of the word bishop?

The word (xos, episcopos,) translated bishop, signifies an overseer.

Acts xx, 28. Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

85. Are all presbyters called bishops in scrip

ture?

Yes; or they are called presbyters and bishops indiscriminately.

Acts xx, 17, 28. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Phil. i, 1. Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Titus i, 5-7. For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee. If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of riot, or unruly: for a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God: not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre. 1 Pet. v, I, 2. The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: feed the flock of God, which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. 1 Tim. iii, 1-7. This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient; not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest, being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must have a good report of them which are without, lest he fall into reproach, and the snare of the devil. 1 Tim. v, 17-19. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: and, The laborer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. See also Acts xv, 2, 4, 6, 22, 23. 1 Cor. xii, 28-30. Eph. iv, 11.

86. Is not the pastoral office the first in the church, both for dignity and usefulness?

Yes, teaching is more honorable, and more important than mere ruling, which is the office ascribed to prelatic bishops; and therefore a ruler, or prelate, cannot be superior to a teacher or pastor.

1 Tim. v, 17. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. 1 Cor. xii, 28. And God hath set some in the church; first, apostles; secondarily, prophets; thirdly, teachers; after that miracles; then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

87. Is there more than one final commission from which christian ministers derive their office and authority?

No, all pastors derive their office and authority from Christ by the same commission; in the same words; and for the same offices; and therefore, the same official authority must belong to all.

Mark xvi, 15. And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

88. May it not be said, that while all bishops are presbyters, all teaching presbyters are not bishops?

As all bishops are presbyters, so is the title of bishop, which signifies an overseer of the flock, applicable to all presbyters who have the oversight of some particular charge, and who are therefore true scripture bishops.*

89. Were Timothy and Titus prelatical bishops?

*The term, however, is also applicable to one who has filled this station when transferred by the authority of the church, and under its sanction, to some other field of usefulness; and in a general sense, to all ordained ministers of the gospel.