CHAPTER XVI: The Gospel Ministry.

The Church.

A Christian church is an organized body of believers in Christ, who statedly assemble to worship God, and sustain the ordinances of the gospel agreeably to his Word. In a more general sense it is the whole body of Christians throughout the world, and only the regenerate are real members. Believers are admitted to a particular church, on giving evidence of faith, and receiving baptism and the hand of fellowship.

The Gospel Ministry.

1. Qualifications of Ministers.--They must possess good natural and acquired abilities, deep and ardent piety, be specially called of God to the work, and ordained by the laying on of hands.

2. Duties of Ministers.--These are, to preach the Word, administer the ordinances of the gospel, visit their people, arid otherwise perform the work of faithful pastors.