Theory of the Eldership [pp. 702-759]

Theory of the Eldership.
not ministers the one fundamental order, neither does it warrant
any other meaning of "presbyter" than what we have found to
be the uses loquendi of the New Testament, and of the Pres byterian and all other churches, in all ages. Presbyter in this
passage means just what we have seen it means in every other
passage-the minister to whom rule and authority, presidency
over the churches, and labouring in word and doctrine, were
assigned as his peculiar functions. Presumptively this is and
must be its meaning, unless it can be proved that it is not.
We are not called upon to prove that it is, nor to give any
satisfactory and unobjectionable interpretation. This must be
given by those putting on the word presbyter here a meaning
not found elsewhere, and by no means necessary here. There
are a number of explanations which have been given of the
passage, as having exclusive reference to the ministerial office,
while no adequate reason can justify the foundation upon it
of two indivisible, indeterminate, unequal, and fundamentally
distinct classes of presbyters-one to rule ONLY and one to do
what? To labour in word and doctrine only? This would be
the contrast, and the necessary contrast, if there is, as is alleged,
a division into two classes. But this is not the theory which
the words are made to sustain, nay, to originate and authenticate. That theory makes the two classes to be, one that rules
well, or ruling elders, and one that does this, and while doing
this labours in word and doctrine. The text repudiates any
such division. It implies no division, but affirms that while all
presbyters that act well their parts as rulers in the church are
worthy of double honour, they are especially so if they labour
hard and faithfully in what is their chief end and business,
under the commission of Christ-in the preaching of the gospel
-labouring in word and doctrine. There is here no distinction in order or class, but only in the department in which
efficient labour is most to be commended, and to discharge
which the ministry is to be supported, and ministers enabled
to give their whole time, and study, and labour, to pastoral
duty.
The Provincial Synod of London say: "They (ministers) are
called such as rule well; not in any civil way, as state officers,
but such as labour (rule well) in word and doctrine." This is,
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