uished from all others. Rule is the
principal part of him that ruleth; for he is to attend unto it with
_diligence_; that is, such as is peculiar unto _rule_, in
contradistinction unto what is principally required in other
administrations.

There is the same evidence given unto the truth argued for in another
testimony of the same apostle, 1 Cor. xii. 28: that there is here an
enumeration of offices and officers in the Church, both extraordinary
for that season, and ordinary for continuance, is beyond exception. Unto
them is added the present exercise of some extraordinary gifts, as
miracles, healing, tongues. That by _helps_ the deacons of the Church
are intended most do agree, because their original institution was as
helpers in the affairs of the Church. _Governments_ are governors or
rulers; that is, such as are distinct from teachers; such hath God
placed in the Church, and such there ought to be. It is said that
_gifts_, not _offices_, are intended; the gift of government, or the
gift for government. If God hath given gifts for government to abide in
the Church, distinct from those given unto _teachers_, and unto other
persons than the teachers, then there is a distinct office of rule or
government in the Church, which is all we plead for.

_Of the Duties of Ruling Elders._

1st. To watch diligently over the ways, walk, and conversation of all
the members of the church, to see that it be blameless, without offence,
useful, exemplary, and in all things answering the holiness of the
commands of Christ, the honor of the gospel, and the profession thereof
which they make in the world. And upon the observation which they make
in the watch wherein they are placed, to instruct, admonish, charge,
exhort, encourage, or comfort as they see cause. And this they are to
attend unto, with courage and diligence.

2d. To endeavor to prevent every thing that is contrary unto that love
which the Lord Christ requireth in a peculiar and eminent manner to be
found among his disciples. This he calls his own _new command_, with
respect unto his authority requiring it, his example first illustrating
it in the world, and the peculiar fruits and effects of it which he
revealed and taught. Wherefore, the due observance of this law of love
in itself and all its fruits, with the prevention, removal, or
condemnation of all that is contrary unto it, is that in which the _rule
of the church_ doth in a great measure consist. And considering