receiv of him the Christian Faith others say to receiv farther instructions from him Eleutherius sent unto him Damianus and Faganus by whom the King was converted with many of the people and were baptized about the year 179 the Monumentsand Rites of Heathenish Idolatrie were subverted Superstition decaied and true Religion increased there were then in Britain Fox Acts Mon. ubisupra 28 Head Priests which they called Flamines and three Archpriests which they called Arch-Flamines having the over-sight of the manners over the rest These 28 Flamines they turned to 28 Bishops and the three Arch-Flamines to three Arch-bishopricks having then their Seats in three principal Cities viz. London York Gloucester In these daies Rome was a Virgin Church not Anti-Christian And if wee grant that England received the Faith from Eleutherius Bishop of Rome yet hee was neither a Pope nor Papist And from this Apostolical root do wee extract our Ordination and Succession as beeing well assured that very early in the Primitive Church Whites Way to the Church § 49. the Gospel was planted here And though the Papists object that the Faith was again extinguished in England yet Dr White shew's the contrarie viz. that the Faith continued here from King Lucius to the coming of Austen the Monk whom Gregorie sent hither 600 years after Christ who when hee came found divers Brittain Bishops and learned men with a monasterie at Bangor who did oppose Arrianism and Pelagianism and the pride of Austen the Pope's Embassador Secondly I say that the rightfulness of our Vocation is not cut off or nulled by such a Succession for that learned Letter as it confesseth the Succession of our first Reformers to have been from men of the Romish Religion Mat. 3.2.3 so it teacheth truly That Heretical Bishops may lawfully Ordain and that it is an Heresie such as the Donatish was to denie it To this agree's the judgment of our Saviour who Teacheth that the Scribes and Pharisees have a lawful Succession from Moses they sit in his Chair their Calling is of God though a race of bad men possessed that Chair and Christ will have them acknowledged for the lawful Ministers So is our Calling and Succession though it passed thorough corrupt times The Scriptures themselvs Baptism the Articles of our Creed have all passed through the Papacie unto us and yet they ceas not to bee true Scriptures nor true Baptism much less doe's Ordination ceas to be rightful it beeing an act of jurisdiction which may bee legally and law fully performed by men of corrupt Faith Concl. 2 Wee must carefully distinguish the Acts of Office which have their form and beeing from a root or fountain without us from the qualities of the man that perform's the Office The man may bee naught yet his Office good and Acts don by virtue of his Office just and allowable although the man and his Religion bee naught As for instance a Popish Landlord make's you a Leas of a Farm your Leas is not Antichristian but good in Law though hee that demised it bee for his Religion a Papist A Popish Judg doth pass a sentence in Court which stand's good in Judicature His sentence is not Popish though hee that pronounced it bee a Papist the reason is becaus the legal sentence is not of him nor from him as a Papist but a Judg who doth but deliver that which hee hath received from an higher root the Law So in this case Ordination is an Act of Office derived from Christ and it is not Popish though executed by a Papist Wee do not rebaptize them that were baptized by a Popish Priest becaus the power of Ged's Ordinance depend's not on the person that doe's execute the same but upon an higher foundation the Institution of Christ Ministerial Acts are not vitiated or made nud though they pass through the hands of bad men But stand good to all intents and purposes to such as receiv them aright by virtue of their Office autoritatively derived from the first Institution To right Ordination besides the parties inward Call are required To right Ordination what is requited Two things 1. On behalf of the partie to bee Ordained hee must have sundrie qualifications as integritie of life by which hee get's a good report even of those that are without 2. Soundness in the Faith hee must not bee an Heretick or misbeliever but able by sound Doctrine to instruct and convince the gain-faier 3. Hee must bee apt to teach readie to communicate his knowledg to others Secondly on behalf of them that do ordain it is likewise required 1. That they take a trial of their Gifts and Life as Paul saith Let them first bee proved and then let them minister if they bee sound worthie 2. Then follow 's Ordination it self which is don when then they are Consecrated and set apart and Autorized with imposition of hands and praier to preach the Word in the Name of Christ 1 Tim. 4.14 3. Then follow 's their Election or designation to their particular places and charges which is don partly by the voice of the people and partly by the wisdom of the Guides of the Church Thus are wee Qualified Called Admitted and Autorized to execute the sacred Function according to Scirpture-Rules and God hath Concl. 2 sealed to us the fruit of our Calling by the conversion of many thousand souls in Christ Jesus wee by the blessing and assistance of the holy Ghost have begotten you so that if wee bee not true Ministers of Christ to others yet surely wee are to the people of this Nation and to som wee hope of our present though uuthankful and Causless enemies Object Object But private men unordained may convert souls as the woman of Samaria informed her neighbors Rahab was converted by the Spies Aquila and priscilla helped Apollos c. Sol. I shall Answer this point more largely under my last conclusion for this present thus I doubt not but much good is don by the faithful reproofs counsels and instructions of private Christians women may save their husbands 1 Cor. 7.16 1 Pet. 3.1 Tit. 2.3 at least win them to a liking of Christianitie the Elder women must bee Teacher's of good things and so the Members of the Church do edifie one another But what is this Christ's Ordinarie way must this overthrow Christ's Order and Ordinance No by no means If any of you bee inwardly toucht with the zeal of God's glorie with a sens of the peoples ignorance and miserie let such beeing tried and found Orthodox and competently gifted bee Ordained Let them give themselvs to this work and wee will give them the right hand of fellowship without asking of what Vniversitie they were But beware how yee bring disorder and confusion into the Church and so overthrow the Ordinance of Christ upon serious consideration of our third Conclusion which now followeth Concl. 3 Having proved in the fomer Conclusions that the Work of the Ministerie
and admitted into God's Church and Family Cur eos à signo arceamus upon what reason can wee drive them from the sign of their admittance It is saith a Learned man God's great Work to Church the World A Treatise entituled a blow at the root◠or a discoverie of Satan's devices p. 154. and the Divel's counter-work is to Heathenize the Church It troubles the Divel much that children from their infancie should bee under an Engagement to receiv nurture and admonition in the Lord to frequent the Ordinances and to own Jesus Christ by an external profession if hee could but contriv to prevent their coming into that Engagement hee might hope more easily to keep them out when they are grown up then to work them out so grown up to a renouncing of Christianitie which yet hee hath brought som unto For a close of both the questions hitherto debated I desire to bee resolved by our Adversaries What is meant by the doctrine of Baptism and laying on of hands reckoned up among the principles of Christian Religion Heb. 6.2 By laying on of Hands must bee understood either the rite of confirmation which stood 1. In instruction and examination of those who had been baptized Infants 2. And in Praying for them that God would continue them in the Faith c. This was performed when they grew up to years of discretion and were called to give account of their Faith before their admission to the Lord's Supper And of this minde is judicious Mr Calvin Inst l. 4 c. 19. de confirmatione §. 4. And hee wishes that this Rite and Custom were again restored and practised in the Church of God Talem ergò manuum impositionem quae simpliciter loco benedictionis fiat laudo restitutam hodiè in purum usum velim and gives weightie reasons of what benefit it would bee to the Church Sect. 13. Or secondly by imposition of hands must bee understood a Rite or Ceremonie used in the Ordination of Ministers Now chuse which sens you pleas if the later then you confess that Ordination is a Scripture-principle to bee acknowledged of all Christians and so you yield our first question if the former sens then you acknowledg Infant-Baptism to bee a Scripture principle fit for all men to imbrace and so you yield our later question But why may wee not understand this laying on of hands in both respects and so conclude both points judicent docti It is necessarie for all men to bee instructed and catechized in these six Principles of the Doctrine of Christ and to believ 1. That wee must Repent of all our sins which are dead works and turn from them to serv God in newness of life 2. That penitent persons must believ in God and rest on his mercie in Christ for salvation 3. And for the grounding of people in Religion that they bee instructed concerning the nature use and signification of Baptism whereby wee are baptized and planted into Christ Rom. 6.3 to bee partakers of the benefits of his death 4. And farther to bee instructed that by laying on of hands our baptized Infants ought to bee trained up in the knowledg and fear of the Lord seasoned with the principles of Christ's Religion and that for their good and the instruction of the whole Church and for right dispencing of Gospel-Ordinances and the means of salvation it is necessarie that a succession of Ministers bee Ordained for gathering and perfecting the Saints till wee all meet in Heaven 5. And that all Christian people bee taught to believ the Resurrection of the dead 6. And the last judgment whereby all men shall be judged and eternally disposed of 2 Cor. 5.10 according to that they have don in the bodie whether it bee good or bad O Lord our God God of all Grace Father of all mercies vouchsafe for thy Son's sake to open all our understandings that wee may conceiv and bow all our hearts to imbrace all saving Truthes And let us never bee of the number of those that strive or rebel against the light Soli Deo gloria FINIS
our studies 2 Tim. 2.4 Paul saie's wee must not intangle our selvs in worldly imploiments But you say a man may follow a Trade all the week Vers 15. and yet preach the Lord's day True after a wilde fashion but not like a workman that need not bee ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth Answ 3 To the third part of the objection I say it is a mere deluding of people to set the Spirit of God against God's means in and by which his Spirit doth usually work The Spirit is it which worketh effectually in the ministerie of us all Gal. 2.8 the sufficiencie and efficiencie is not of us but of God but yet the Spirit worketh by such Gifts as himself bestoweth 1 Cor. 12.4 There bee diversities of Gifts but the same Spirit and by the right use of those Gifts the Spirit doth work to the edifying of the Churches For the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every one to profit withall i.e. Whosoëver hath any Gift manifesting the miraculous power of the Spirit it is given not for ostentation or to bee admired but for this onely end for the profit of all vers 7. Now the Gifts then given to profit the Church withall in the way of instruction are reckoned up six 1. Sapientia wisdom to applie Christian Doctrine to Practice and Use of believers 2. Scientia a knowledg of Principles and deep points of Religion 3. Prophecie i.e. a Gift to expound the prophecies and secret things of Scripture 4. Discerning of spirits viz fanatick and counterfeit inspirations from true 5. Divers kindes of tongues that all Nations and languages might hear and understand the Gospel 6. Interpretation of tongues wherewith others did speak and wherein the Scripture is written These Gifts of the Spirit are useful and profitable for the Church they were miraculous for the manner of coming by them but the Doctrine taught was the same which was before revealed These Gifts may either bee acquired or infused At first they were infused immediately both for the honor of the Gospel and the speedier spreading of it Afterwards they are continued for the good of the Church by the Help of studie or praier Even as the Gift of Healing is now continued by the studie and Art of Physick without the Gifts of wisdom science and tongues wee can never soundly nor fruitfully make known the mysteries of Scripture and hee that by studie and praier doe's attain the use of any of these Gifts in preaching hee preacheth by the Spirit if the Things which wee preach bee the things Conclus 2 which the Spirit hath revealed in the written word and the Gifts by which wee preach bee the Gifts of the Spirit then whether the means by which wee com by those Gifts bee extraordinarie as by inspiration or ordinarie as by studie and praier the matter is the same Wee preach by the Spirit i.e. by the illumination and guidance of the Spirit leading us into the truth which himself hath revealed Wee pretend not yea wee detest all pretensions of new and immediate inspirations whereby the holie Ghost is made the Autor of disorder and confusion or a cloak for ignorance non-sence and Heresie Conclus 2 Our second Conclusion in Answer to the second Question in this viz. Ordination of ministers by imposition of hands of the Presbyterie for the Administration of the Word and Sacraments is an Ordinance of Christ in the New Testament The work of the ministerie is an Office and Calling as you have heard and Ordination is Christ's Ordinance whereby fit and approved persons are set apart and Commissioned for the execution of that Office in the Name and with the Autoritie of Jesus Christ Droved 1. by example The weight of the Controversie lieth upon this Conclusion which is directly proved 1. By example Wee finde in the New Testament four descents of men sent and ordained 1. Christ himself was sent of his Father 2. The Apostles were sent and ordained by Christ Mark 3.14 3. The Apostles sent and ordained Timothie and others of their own time 4. And they that lived in the Apostles times did in like manner ordain others to survive and do the Office of Ministers when they were dead and this succession of Ministers is to last to the end of the world 1. Christ was sent and had his Commission from his Father Joh. 20.21 22 23. My Father hath sent mee Christ himself was sent and Autuorized to preach els hee had not not taken that honor to himself Heb. 5.4 5. 2d. Descent Christ send 's the Apostles As my Father sent mee so sent I you there 's their Commission hee committed the ministerie to their execution which himself had received viz. a power to Preach and Baptize to binde and loos Job 20.23 with Matth. 28.19 Go yee therefore Teach all Nations and Baptize them The Man Christ could do nothing but by Commission from the Father nor the Apostles except Christ had given them Commission both Christ and his Apostles were solemnly inaugurated into their Office of Teaching Conclus 2 3d Descent The Apostles ordained Timothie and others of their own time 2 Tim. 1.6 Stir up the Gift of God which is in thee by the putting on of my hands and the hands of the presbyterie 1 Tim. 4.14 By Gift there is meant that Ghostly power or Office which Timothie received at his ordination by the laying on of the Apostles hands in the presence and with the consent of the presbyterie who joined with Paul in that action Again wee finde Paul and Barnabas ordaining Elders in every Church where they went Acts 14.23 4th Descent Timothie and Titus did ordain others as theniselvs had been ordained and that by the Apostle's own appointment Tit. 1.5 for this caus was Titus left in Crete that hee should ordain Elders in every Citie So likewise Timothie is directed how to lay on hands not suddenly but with good advisedness 1 Tim. 5.22 As Timothie was entrusted with the word of Christ so Hee must commit the same trust to faithful men able to teach others also that so there may bee a succession of Teachers 2 Tim. 2.2 Thus yee have recorded in Scripture four descents 1. Christ 2. His Apostles 3. Timothie and Titus 4. Elders at Creet and Ephesus and other Churches where the Gospel was planted all sent and ordained the two later by ordination in the ordinarie way thus the Apostles in their own Practice admitted men into the ministerie and thus they appointed for succeeding times And can any think that Ordination ended with that Age Is there not the same caus necessitie use and reason for it in after Ages as in the first times of the Church when there were as yet extraordinarie Gifts stirring in the Church which are now ceased and therefore the more need of a standing ministerie Secondly 2 From Scripture-Rules This Conclusion is proved by Scripture Rules and Precepts given touching Ordination and the manner thereof
Unto Titus Paul give 's commandment to ordain Elders Tit. 1.5 and prescribe's certain Rules and Canons for the trial and qualification of them that are to bee ordained vers 7. a Bishop must bee blameless holding fast the faithful word that hee may bee able to convince the gainsaiers vers 9. So unto Timothie hee gave directions and rules touching Ordination 1 Tim. 5. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man neither bee thou partaker of other mens sins i.e. Admit not any into the ministerie without sufficient examination and good proof of their abilitie for learning and godly conversation els the blame will light upon thee becaus by the laying on of thy hands they were admitted Conclus 2 into that sacred function What need Titus bee left in Crete to ordain Elders in every Citie if Saints of themselvs might do all without Ordination And to what purpose are those Cautions and Directions about Ordination if there were no such thing to bee don if Ordination it self bee needless then much more is the manner of doing it needless Answ Som think that the cerimonie of laying on of hands may bee omitted Ans Somtimes wee must bee tied to example in the least gesture though not prescribed and yet men presume to dispens in a circumstance expresly prescribed Why should wee bee wiser then Paul Why should wee bee ashamed of Gods express will Timothie was ordained by laying on of hands and enjoined to lay on hands on others in their Ordination thus were the Deacons ordained Act. 6.6 and thus were Saul and Barnabas set apart for the execution of their Calling Act. 13.3 And seeing the Scripture is so punctual about the Manner of Ordination and the Qualitie of Persons to bee ordained the Dutie it self is much more established even as when God give 's us rules for praying fasting alms Magistrates Matth. 6.1 3 c. it doth necessarily implie that there must be Magistrates praying c. And herein is fulfilled that prophecie of Es 66.21 concerning the Ministerie of the N. T. I will take of them for Priests and for Levites saith the Lord. i.e. Though the distinction of Tribes bee taken away and that old Priesthood ceased yet God promised it as a blessing to the Church of the Gentiles that hee would rais up of themselvs som that should bee in stead of the old Priests and Levites in things perteining to God Upon these undeniable proofs I frame these 3 Arguments as to the main caus Argument 1 1. Look how the Apostles did ordain and call Ministers of the Word and as they appointed others after them to bee ordained and sent so and in like manner ought men now to bee sent and ordained But the Apostles did ordain men for the ministration of the word and sacraments by laying on of hands and also appointed and enjoined the same to bee don in the Churches of Christ therefore it is Christ's Ordinance that so it ought still to bee don and they that do otherwise do go against the example and appointment of the Scripture and so overthrow an Ordinance of Christ in the N. Testament Argument 2 2. That which is contrarie to the examples rules and directions of Scripture cannot bee don without sin But to administer the Conclus 2 word or sacraments without Ordination is contrarie to the examples and rules of Scripture therefore it is unlawful and cannot bee don without sin Argument 3 3. If Sending bee more then Gifting by God's word then there is somthing more by God's word required unto preaching then sole Gifting But Sending is according to God's word more then Gifting therefore somthing more then Gifting is required to make a preacher of the Gospel That Sending is more then Gifting is evident becaus Gifted men must bee ordained Timothie was a man rarely Gifted yet hee was ordained and sent by the outward calling of the Church 1 Tim. 4.14 and so were the rest of whom wee read 1 Tim. 2.7 Act. 13.2 3. There bee two things required to make a Minister 1. Gifts which must bee tried and approved 2. Ordination and solemn Inauguration into their Office Gifts give not Autoritie to any man for any thing the Lawyer at the Bar may have as great gifts as the Judg upon the Bench yet becaus-hee hath not the like Commission hee may not intrude upon the Judges office A private man may bee as well Gifted as a Justice of Peace yet without a Commission hee may not do his office so is it in this present case There is but one branch of the second Conclusion unproved which saith that Ordination must bee by the laying of hands of other Ministers and this is added to put a difference between true and fals Ordination In som congregational Churches they have their Pastors ordained i.e. chosen and appointed by the people Truely then they may preach and exercise Ministeriall Acts in the name of the People but not in the name of Christ unless they did derive their Autoritie by Ordination from Christ It is a gross mistake to think or teach that Church-power is Originally in the People as the proper seat and subject thereof from them to bee derived and placed upon whom they choos Christ gave all power to the Bodie of the Church finaliter objectivè i e. for their use and benefit according to that of the Apostle 1 Cor. 3.22 All things are yours whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas all are yours i.e. for your service and salvation but they are not yours i.e. they are not of your making and autorizing Church-power is first seated in Christ the Head and Apostle of our possession and from him committed to his Apostles and from them to Bishops and other Ministers Conclus 2 sters by succession they commit the same to others which themselvs had first received but according to that known rule no man can give to another that which himself hath not first received therefore the people which never received Orders nor Power to administer the word sacraments and keies how they can can bestow it on others is besides all Scripture and reason Church-power is in the Ministers of the Church by Derivation from the Apostles and they alone can commit and Transmit it unto others The Text is express which saith that Ordination is by the hands of the presbyterie Object But how can you can justifie your calling to the Ministerie seeing you were ordained by Bishops and Bishops from the Pope and the Pope is from the devil You lost your true succession in the Papacie and the calling which yee now have is Antichristian Sol. The Papists say wee have no true Ministerie becaus at the Reformation wee received it not from Rome The Brownists say our Ministers are not rightly called into their Offices becaus wee râ—â—eived it from Rome Thus wee are condemned of all hands one of these accusers must needs charge us falsly but admit both their allegations to have som truth yet neither of them do conclude what
by their unwearied diligence the Orthodox after sound Confutation of their Heresie sitting down content with that discharge of their dutie And surely if ever our glorious lights of the sanctuarie bee put out and new ones set up in their stead next unto God's wrath penally inflicting such a judgment for a Peoples unthankfulness it will bee ascribed to our laziness and their unwearied diligence rather then to any truth of their Caus or excellence of their Arguing For they do not or will not know when they are confuted but after their Arguments answered ten times over they are as brisk to offer new disputation insisting upon their old bald Arguments as if never uttered before their diligence should provoke us to the like if not their diligence yet love to their souls should 2 Tim. 2.25 remembring that of Paul in meekness instructing those that oppose themselvs if at any time God will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth that they may recover themselvs out of the snare of the Divel wee must not give over a Patient while there is hope no not though they oppose themselvs but with long-suffering they must bee instructed becaus as the gift of grace so the time of grace is in God's hand alone It is a great skill to discern who are to bee forborn and who to bee opposed they that make Divisions and parties in the Church and scandalize the Doctrine are to bee avoided Rom. 16.17 others that walk humbly and peaceably under that weakness and dissenting Opinion from their brethren are to bee forborn loved and cherished till wee meet in heaven where Luther and Calvin and all whose Faith and hearts do center in the Lord Christ shall for evermore bee fully agreed To his Grace I commend you who is able to establish you and rest Yours and the Churches servant in the Gospel of Jesus Christ WILLIAM LYFORD AN APOLOGIE FOR Our Publick MINISTERIE TOuching the Office and Calling of Ministers and Lay-men's preaching the Question is not Whether Christians may and ought privately to edifie one another by admonitions counsels reproofs repetition of Sermons reading of good Books and other Christian conferences all this I grant and commend to practice from these Scriptures Heb. 3.13 1 Thes 4.8 1 Thes 5.11.14 Rom. 15 14. But the whole state of the controversie may fitly bee reduced to these three heads Quest 1. Whether the work of a Minister in the Administration of the Word and Sacraments bee a Calling Office and work distinct from the rest of the people Whether there bee any such Calling or Office for that holy work in the New Testament Affir 2. Whether Ordination of Ministers for Administration of Word and Sacraments bee an Ordinance of Christ in the New Testament Affir 3. Whether it bee lawful for men uncalled and unordained to Take upon them the preaching of the Word in the Name and with the autoritie of the Lord Jesus or the Administration of the Sacraments Neg. The answer and determination of these three Questions will clearly state the Caus which I shall do in three Conclusions Concl. 1 1. The Ministerie is a distinct Calling and Office which they are bound to attend unto and None but they can or ought to perform Concl. 2 2. Ordination of Ministers by imposition of hands of other Ministers for the Administration of the Word and Sacraments is an Ordinance of Christ in the New Testament Concl. 3 3. No man uncalled and unordained can with good Conscience intrude or enter upon that Work and Office it is a great sin so to do Of these I will speak in order The first Conclusion in Answer to the first Question viz. that the Ministerie is a distinct Office and Calling is proved 1. By express words of the Text 1 Tim. 3.1 if any man desire the Office of a Bishop hee desireth a good work The Text tell 's you that Bishop or Presbyter is an Office a good Office and hee that is made a Bishop is a man in high Office even to take care of the Church of God ver 5. and in him there are required manie qualifications which are not required in other Believers Again Paul writing to the Philippians doth plainly distinguish the Bodie of Saints from the Officers To all the Saints which are at Philippi with the Bishops and Deacons Phil. 1.1 By Bishops there all understand Ministers of the Gospel in Office of Teaching distinct from the people who were Saints but not Bishops So in the Church of Ephesus the like distinction between Pastor and People in respect of Office and Calling is obferved Act. 20. Paul called for the Elders of the Church vers 17. Hee minde's them of their Office vers 28. Take heed to all the flock over which the holy Ghost hath made you overseers or Bishops to feed the Church of God for so did Christ ordain and set in the Church som Pastors and Teachers for the work of the Ministerie Ehes 4.11.12 e.i. to bee Guides to the Flock to feed them with wholsom Doctrine Heb. 13.7 17. Remember them which have the Rule over you who have spoken unto you the Word of God and submit your selvs for they watch for your souls In which places you see that Ministerie of the Word is a name of Office given to certain men designed and singled out to that work as a special work not common to others take one clear place more viz. 1 Thes 5.11 Comfort and edifie one another there 's the peoples mutual dutie in private But vers 12. know them which labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you there 's the Pastor's Office and dutie who though they may bee but even with you in respect of Gifts and Graces yet they are over you in the Lord in respect of their Office and Work they are over all even over them which were able Concl. 1 privately to admonish one another and the people's dutie is to know i.e. to acknowledg them as such and to esteem them very highly for their work 's sake becaus God hath set them over you in that Office By all which places of Scripture it is evident that in the Churches of Christ Som are Pastors and Elders to feed Some are Guides and Rulers Som are Sheep the flock to bee fed Som are Guided and Ruled Som are single Saints Som are Bishops over them in the Lord. There is a work wholly to bee attended and men appointed to attend that work wholly Names of Office without an Office are meer mockeries the Names of a King of a Steward Pastor Bishop Guide c. without their respective Offices are not given in Scripture In the places now cited you finde those distinctive Titles and Names joyned with the work it self I demand then with the Apostle Are all Teachers 1 Cor. 12.28 Rom. 14.4 are all Bishops are all Guids and Pastors The Minister and his Work are as precisely distinguished by the
mee thinks hee doe's better reform manners and punish vice then your old rotten Magistrates must wee stay for a Commission when things bee amiss Absalom will minister justice better then his Father David aie by all means things are like to go well Conclus 3 if every man that reckon's himself gifted may bee judg what is best and himself the fittest to do it But God is a God of Order Unitie Peace and not of Confusion 2. And this I dare affirm that the Devil hath not a more subtil prevalent engine to pull down the Kingdom of Christ and set up his own which is establisht by Heresie Sedition Fals-worship Envie Hatred Schism Dissention c. then by destroying the Ministerie whereby God hath erected and built his Church But as long as Christ will have a Church among us hee will hold those stars in his right hand Rev. 1.16 20. And whensoëver you see them pluckt out of the Firmament of the Church Luk. 19.41 42 2 Chro. 36.16 then look for nothing but a sad night of darkness and miserie upon this Nation They are the greatest malignants and avowed enemies of our Nation that are haters of it's Ministerie But let them beware what they do for if hee that loveth and receiveth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet Mâ—t. 10 41. shall receiv a Prophet's reward then hee that despiseth derideth hateth vilifieth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet or becaus hee is a Minister of the Gospel hee carrie's in his breast the mark of a Reprobate and let him bee sure that hee shall receiv the reward of a Prophet-hater The truth is God hath made these Preachers a check a shame and a just rebuke to a rotten See Mal. 2.3 7 8 9. formal dead Clergie that understood not nor ever endeavored the conversion of souls God would by a foolish people provoke men of abilities to a more spiritual and conscionable discharge of their duties 't were good this use were made of it But what good els this promiscuous preaching hath don how it hath advanced truth or godliness is their part to shew What mischief it hath don what Errors it hath spread how many unstable souls it hath beguiled what fearful Schisms and Factions it hath brought into our Land what discord among brethren c. There bee too many Instances in most Counties of England By such like men you see what preaching you are like to have if ever your establisht Ministerie bee extinguished People by degrees will grow to a loathing and contempt of the Gospel preached through their prophaning it with their fulsom fooleries I shall close up this point with a remarkable passage of Mr Owens in his Treatise of Toleration joined with that Sermon of his which hee preached before the Hous Jan. 31. 1648. His words are these There are a sort of persons termed in Scripture 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unruly disorderly Mr Owen of Toleration p. 82. 1 Thes 5.14 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the baser sort Act. 17.5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Conclus 3 absurd unreasonable men 2 Thes 3.2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lawless and disobedient 1 Tim. 1.9 and the like disorderly vagabond wandring irregular persons fixed to no calling abiding in no place taking no care of their Families that under a pretence of Teaching the truth without mission without Call without warrant uncommanded undesired do go up and down from place to place creeping into Houses c. Now that such waies as these and persons in these waies may bee judicially enquired into I no way doubt I did yet never observ any other issue upon such undertakings but scandal to Religion and trouble to men in their civil Relations Therefore according to the Aposiles order 1 Cor. 7.24 Let every man in the same Calling wherein hee was Called to Christianitie therein abide with God studying to bee quiet and to do his own business 1 Thes 4.11 and not other mens as the Lord hath commanded Object 1 The chief Argument for preaching without Ordination is taken from Act. 8 ver 4. with Act. 11.19 20. they that were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen went every where preaching the Word yet these that were scattered were not Ordained men therefore men unordained may Preach Answ 1 1. It must bee in such cases as in the Text This example will not hold in cases altogether unlike Suppose that when Ministers are persecuted Congregations scattered when Christians are fain to flie into strange Countries among Infidels when such cannot bee had as by God's ordinary Call have power to preach I say admit that in such a Case any man may preach the Word declare among the people the name of Jesus Christ his Death and Resurrection yet by what analogie of reason can this bee alleged against the established cours provided in Scripture for sending men to preach In Case of extreme danger when I am assaulted for my life I may rather kill then bee killed I may bee my own Magistrate But this warrant 's not an ordinarie usurping of the Magistrates sword so in our present Question Rule When wee have a Rule and an extraordinarie Example that crosseth that Rule as in the case of Phinees and Abraham's killing his son then wee must leav the Example and follow the Rule wee must not follow dispensations and forsake the standing precept Answ 2 2. But how will it appear that these They in the Text that preached abread were men unsent and unordained seeing there bee precepts in Scripture for Ordination Col. 4.10 11. Philem. v. 24. if wee finde any doing the work of Elders wee are to presume that they are Ordained though their Ordination Concl. 3 bee not recorded as Marcus Aristarchus Demas Lucas Tychichus c. And that those preachers above mentioned were so sent I shall offer unto you for proof these Textual considerations 1. All that are named Act. 9.10 Act. 21.8 as Philip the Evangelist and Ananias and Lucius of Cyrene were men in Office 2. Nothing appear's to the contrarie but all make's for it That the seventie were at Jerusalem till that scattering they kept companie with Christ while hee lived and with the Apostles at Jerusalem after hee was Ascended Act. 1.21 For out of the seventie Matthias was chosen to bee an Apostle and becaus they nestled themselvs in their warm quarters at Jerusalem God send 's a persecution to dispers them about their business that so the preaching might bee more fully known according as Christ fore-told Act. 1.8 so it came to pass the seventie were appointed to preach in the places where those that were scattered did preach Act. 8.1 Therefore it is altogether likely that these were the men 3. Besides it is said Act. 6.7 that a great Companie of the Priests were Converted to the Faith and these were Paul's Fellow-helpers unto the Kingdom of God Aristarchus and Marcus and Jesus which is called Justus who are of
the Circumcision these were Preachers of the Gospel with Paul Col. 4.10 11. And they beeing Priests were Autorized by their former Calling to preach Therefore when the Text saies Act. 8.1 They were all scattered abroad except the Apostles this cannot bee meant of all the Church for there remained many housholds of them vers 3. but of them who did preach Christ at Jerusalem as Stephen had don these were especially aimed at in the persecution and they seeing how it fared with Stephen betook themselvs to preach abroad the Apostles that remained behinde were persecuted James was killed with the sword and Peter imprisoned Act. 12.2 4. Circumstance evidencing this Truth is that of Act. 11.20 where it is said that som of them were men of Cyrene and Cyprus who when they were com to Antioch spake unto the Grecians preaching the Lord Jesus By these wee may judg what the rest of them that preached were when 't is said som of them were men of Cyrene the rest were of the same rank though not of the same Cities But these men of Cyrene and Cyprus were they lawfully Called and sent forth to preach Quest Had they any special Calling I conceiv they had for these reasons Conclus 3 Reason 1 First Becaus they were the first that converted the people of Antioch unto the Faith Act. 11.21 22 24. And God gave testimonie to their word by signs and wonders vers 21. the hand of the Lord was with them viz. to heal the sick c. as was usual in the first planting of Churches If they had not an ordinarie Calling yet surely they had an extraordinarie one becaus their Doctrine was confirmed with signs following Heb. 2.4 Reason 2 Secondly These wonder-working Preachers continued at Antioch Act. 11.22 till Barnabas was sent thither unto them from Jerusalem to confirm the people in the Faith these men continuing at Antioch are expresly called Prophets and Teachers Act. 13 1. Now there were in the Church that was at Antioch certain Prophets and Teachers as Barnabas and Simon called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene and these ministred unto the Lord vers 2. Reason 3 Thirdly They that are called Prophets and Teachers Act. 13.1 are the verie same that fled and came first to Antioch and converted that people Act. 11.19 For 't is said vers 20. that they were men of Cyprus and Cyrene that came first to Antioch and preached and one of them Act. 13.1 is Lucius of Cyrene Lucius therefore of Cyrene called a Prophet Act. 13.1 was one of them that fled from Jerusalem upon that Persecution Act. 11.20 Hence I gather that seeing they that preached at Antioch and converted them were Prophets and Teachers And they that converted the Antiochians were the same that fled from Jerusalem upon that persecution therefore they that fled and preached were not men meerly Gifted but duly Called These Textual circumstances give sufficient ground to affirm that those which preached upon that scattering had som spiritual Calling thereunto far better grounds then can bee alleged to the contrarie Put altogether thus They all i. e. they which had kept companie with the Apostles and were of the seventie or of the converted Priests They are they that preached abroad 1. Becaus they onely are named 2. Becaus the seventie were appointed to preach in those places where they that were scattered did preach 3. Becaus they were men approved by signs and wonders 4. Becaus som of them are expresly Called Prophets and Teachers beeing the very same men that came to Antioch and fled from Jerusalem Let the same bee said of you and then preach in God's name els such a pattern will not justifie you nor bee a fit parallel for for your actions Conclus 3 Object 2 Answ Apollos was no ordained Minister See Church-members set in joint by Filo dexter Transylvanus against chillenden p. 17. yet hee preached Act. 18.24 Hee was an Autorized publick Preacher in the Church of Corinth for who is Paul or Apollos but Ministers by whom yee believ 1 Cor. 3.5 Paul speak's of him as his fellow-laborer and steward of the mysteries of God 1 Cor. 4 1 6. Yea it seem's that Apollos did Baptize as well as preach for the Corinthians were divided into Sects according to the Names and Number of them that taught and baptized them 1 Cor. 1.12 as Paul's misliking of them doe's import vers 13. were yee baptized into the Name of Paul And seeing som did call themselvs by the name of Apollo it follow 's that hee did also Baptize from which time they would call themselvs by the name of Apollo as others did of Paul ' Its true indeed Apollos preached at Ephesus before hee came to Corinth Act. 18.24 27. But seeing wee read that hee was a Minister and yet read of no new Ordination received after his coming to Corinth wee must conclude that hee was an autorized Preacher when hee preached at Ephesus Object But hee knew onely the baptism of John i. e. the Doctrine of John hee had been baptized onely with water in the name of Christ Sol. What of that Yet hee might bee as true a Minister of the New Testament as John Baptist himself for John taught the people that they must repent and believ on Jesus Christ and so hee baptized them Act. 19.4 The same Doctrine did Apollos preach Act. 18.25 28. Hee taught diligently the things of the Lord and mightily convinced the Jews that Jesus was Christ The Baptism of John and of Christ distinguished Act. 19.4 5. are not two Baptisms of water but onely one with water which is called John's Baptism Act. 19.3 and the Lord's Baptism Act. 8.16 But Christ's Baptism in distinction from John's Act. 10.44 46. was the pouring forth of the holy Ghost upon the Apostles and others in those daies as S. Peter doe's expound it Act. 11.15 16. saying That as I began to speak the holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the beginning then remembred I the words of the Lord how hee said John indeed baptized with water but yee shall bee baptized with the holy Ghost compare Act. 8.15 16. when Peter and John were com to Samaria they praied for them that they might receiv the holy Ghost for as yet hee was fallen upon none of them onely they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Conclus 3 This Baptism of the holy Ghost shed on them was usually don by the laying on not of water but of hands Act. 8.17 Act. 19.6 Object 3 Paul saie's 1 Cor. 14.31 yee may all prophecie one by one that all may learn for the ministration of the Spirit is given to every one to profit withal Chap. 12.7 therefore all that bee able may preach Answ Paul's purpose there is to give directions concerning the use of spiritual gifts specially that of Tongues and Prophecie And becaus some used their gifts for ostentation not for edification therefore hee telleth them that in what kind soëver
is an Office appointed of God and that Ordination for executing that Office is an Ordinance of Christ in the New Testament our third Conclusion will naturally follow viz. That no man uncalled and unordained can with good conscience intrude upon that work and Office This position or Conclusion is proved by two places especially remarkable for this purpose the first is that of Zach. 83.3 4 5. And it shall com to pass that the Prophets shall bee ashamed every one of his Vision when hee hath prophesied neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceiv but hee shall say I am no Prophet I am an husbandman for man taught mee to keep Cattel from my youth 1. This place is a plain Prophecie of the times of the Gospel wherein many blessings are promised when the Messiah is com vers 1.2 Concl. 3 2. The words vers 4.5 are words of Recantation and repentance of som that pretended the Spirit and took upon them the Office of Prophesying when as they were not Prophets but husbandmen or bred up to som other Trades 3. The means by which this kind of Teachers were brought to shame and repentance is the zeal of the Christian Magistrate upon complaint made to him of their doings by their dearest friends vers 3. And it shall com to pass that when any shall yet Prophecie i.e. notwithstanding all spiritual means used to cleans the Land of seducing spirits and Teachers of fals Doctrines vers 2. if for all this they shall prophecie then his Father and his Mother which begat him shall say unto him Thou shalt not live c. the meaning is this that as in the Law of Moses Deut. 13.5 8. Hee that pretended himself a Prophet and was none was to bee punished by the Magistrate such a like zeal should bee used against fals Prophets in the New Testament their best friends endued with knowledg and discerning shall oppose them preferring their zeal and pietie towards God before the natural affection they bear towards their own children And there is reason as Mr Borough's thinks why their best friends should withstand them in this way 1. Becaus it is a thing abhorring to Nature Heart-divisions p. 19.23.24 that men should suffer God whom they honor to bee blasphemed 2. To see their wives and children and dearest friends to bee seduced into waies which wee think will undo their souls to eternitie and not bee able to help them nor our selvs unless wee can perswade the Seducer to desist and ask them why they do so and entreat them to forbear Therefore these must com under the Magistrates restraining power 4. Then follow 's the fruit of the Magistrates dealing with them viz. Their shame and repentance they shall disclaim their usurped profession and confess that they were never brought up nor fitted for it and so return to their former cours and Trade of living This Scripture is fulfilled in one part by the rising of fals Teachers in our daies and if it bee not fulfilled in the other part viz. in their repentance one principal caus thereof is becaus our Magistrates are so far from putting them to shame that they rather uphold them having enfranchized every Sect to hold Assemblies to preach who will yea to the disadvantage of Christ's Gospel have suffered his Ministers to bee vilified reproched even in Almanacks and to bee made the scorn and derision of the raging waves of the Sea and mocking spirits of which S. Jude complains v. 13.18 I pray God this bee not laid to their charge Conclus 3 Our second place is Num. 16.1 2 3 5. Dathan and Abiram were Gentlemen of the Tribe of Reuben the eldest son of Jacob Num. 26. 5 9. This is that Dathan and Abiram which were famous in the Congregation they thought they had as much right to the Government as Moses who came of a yonger Tribe and therefore like Levellers they say to Moses and Aaron wherefore lift you up your selvs above the Congregation of the Lord ver 3. And when they were summoned to appear before Moses they refused saying wee will not com vers 12.13 Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us out of a Land flowing with milk and honie except thou make they self altogether a Prince over us their quarrel was especially against Moses against the Civil Power Korah for his part was a Levite and hee would have none above him in the Church hee would needs do the office of a Priest as well as Aaron seek yee the Priesthood also saies Moses to him v. 10. His quarrel was Ecclesiastical against Aaron vers 11. What is Aaron that yee murmur against him Thus yee see how Korah did endevor to make common the Offices of the Priesthood and why becaus said hee all the Congregation of the Lord is holy vers 3. All have the gifts of the Spirit as if God's Ordinarie gifts of Sanctification did take away distinction of Callings and Offices But what saies Moses to all this geer vers 5. To morrow the Lord will shew who are his and who is holy and will caus him to com near unto him i.e. God will by miracle shew whom hee accepteth for his servant in the Government you or mee And who is holy i.e. whom hee hath consecrated to com near unto him by special Calling to do the Office of a Priest Aaron or you All the Congregation is holy by the Gift of common vocation unto Grace but not by special Gift of consecration to the Office of a Priest As Paul 1 Cor. 11.7 saith that the Husband is the image of God in respect of domestick Autoritie the wife is the image of God in respect of the gifts of grace as well as her Husband but the Husband and so every good Magistrate hath on him a twofold image of God 1. One by gifts of Grace common with other Saints 2. The other by special Calling and Autoritie to his Office in Church or State Well you see Korah's sin what it is but how doe's the Lord take this at his hands see v. 35. Those 250 men which offered incens and invaded the holy Office were burnt to death with fire from Heaven And for a Monument to all Posteritie that None who is not Called and Consecrated should presume to take upon him the Office of ministring holy things to make himself near to God in these peculiar Conclus 3 Services God commanded the Censers wherewith they had offered the Incens to bee kept for a memorial unto the children of Israël that no stranger which is not of the seed of Aaron com near to offer Incens before the Lord that hee bee not as Korah and his Companie vers 40. Also God commanded Aarons rod that budded to bee kept for a token against the Rebels and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings Num. 17.10 And they shall know that whosoëver cometh near to the Tabernacle of the Lord without a Calling to do the Office of a