Sermons & Study Guides
Form Of Presbyterial Church-Government Pt. 1 - The Preface
James Dodson
Jesus Christ, our Mediator, has the government (both of the Church and all things for the Church) laid upon his shoulder. Thus do they err who deny a jus divinum or jure divino—a divine right—in this matter of...
Read MoreForm Of Presbyterial Church-Government Pt. 2 - Of The Church.
James Dodson
Thus do the Latitudinarians and many of the Sectaries err who maintain that the Scriptures hold forth no Church which by divine right is that which ought to exist to the exclusion of all others. They are confuted...
Read MoreForm Of Presbyterial Church-Government Pt. 3 - Of The Officers Of The Church.
James Dodson
Thus do the Quakers and other Fanatics err denying that Christ has appointed officers for the edification of the church and the perfection of the saints. They are confuted for the following reasons...
Read MoreForm Of Presbyterial Church-Government Pt. 4 - Pastors.
James Dodson
Thus do the Quakers and certain sects of Anabaptists err denying the perpetuity of the pastoral office in the time of the Gospel. They are confuted for the following reasons: 1.) Jeremiah speaks of a time when the Lord would give...
Read MoreForm Of Presbyterial Church-Government Pt. 5 - Teacher Or Doctor.
James Dodson
There is a distinction both of gift and office between the pastor and teacher. The distinction between gifts is held out in these considerations: 1.) Pastors (ποιμένας-poimenas) are those gifted to feed (ποιμάνατε-poimanate) the flock...
Read MoreForm Of Presbyterial Church-Government Pt. 6 - Other Church-governors.
James Dodson
Thus do the Prelates err that charge upon the Reformed churches the invention of what they term “lay elders.” We confess that they are officers somewhat strange and new to the Church of England...
Read MoreForm Of Presbyterial Church-Government Pt. 7 - Deacons.
James Dodson
They are found in Christ’s catalog of church officers distinct from all other officers extraordinary and ordinary—helps, 1 Cor. 12:28. The Greek word ἀντιλήμψεις[antilempseis] properly signifies “to lay hold of as in taking up some burden or weight.” Metaphorically, it is here used...
Read MoreForm Of Presbyterial Church-Government Pt. 8 - Of Particular Congregations.
James Dodson
The various duties required in public worship—joint prayer and praise and their hearing of the preached Word and administration of sacraments all point to both the lawfulness and expediency of fixed...
Read MoreForm Of Presbyterial Church-Government Pt. 9 - Of The Officers Of A Particular Congregation.
James Dodson
Thus do the Quakers and certain Anabaptists err denying that church officers are requisite for the well being of the church. They are confuted because: 1.) The apostle commends such officers as both labor in word and doctrine and rule to the remembrance and honor of...
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