the_o apostle_n themselves_o will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n throw_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o this_o day_n especial_o if_o we_o stand_v upon_o the_o due_a election_n and_o qualification_n of_o person_n so_o claim_v succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o because_o due_a qualification_n and_o election_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n as_o ordination_n see_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o unless_o god_n do_v first_o make_v man_n minister_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o church_n right_o to_o make_v they_o minister_n we_o shall_v here_o add_v that_o beside_o his_o moral_a virtue_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n he_o that_o be_v regular_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n must_v first_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o choose_v by_o a_o true_a church_n to_o that_o sacred_a employment_n and_o then_o we_o may_v bold_o yet_o modest_o suppose_v that_o true_a ordination_n at_o least_o in_o some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v only_o find_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o baptise_a believer_n at_o this_o day_n for_o where_o true_a baptism_n be_v not_o ordination_n can_v be_v regular_a again_o due_a election_n be_v find_v among_o they_o whilst_o neglect_v both_o by_o papist_n and_o prelatist_n and_o further_o the_o true_a form_n and_o order_n of_o ordination_n be_v find_v in_o our_o church_n the_o first_o be_v evident_a of_o itself_o no_o baptism_n no_o due_a ordination_n be_v a_o truth_n without_o exception_n among_o all_o that_o own_o ordination_n and_o for_o the_o second_o it_o be_v certain_a none_o be_v ordain_v to_o any_o office_n in_o the_o baptise_a church_n till_o elect_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o major_a part_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o minister_v and_o herein_o they_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 1._o when_o one_o must_v be_v choose_v in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n the_o 120_o which_o be_v the_o whole_a assembly_n allow_v the_o choice_n of_o two_o and_o good_a reason_n there_o be_v that_o where_o all_o be_v equal_o concern_v they_o shall_v all_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o as_o to_o who_o they_o commit_v the_o care_n and_o feed_n of_o their_o soul_n when_o the_o seven_o deacon_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v consult_v act_v 6._o and_o the_o election_n make_v by_o they_o who_o know_v the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n and_o as_o holy_a scripture_n so_o antiquity_n stand_v with_o we_o in_o this_o case_n the_o nicene_n council_n write_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n concern_v some_o that_o be_v to_o succeed_v other_o bishop_n give_v these_o direction_n if_o so_o be_v they_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v worthy_a and_o the_o people_n shall_v choose_v they_o what_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o worthiness_n for_o ministerial_a employment_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o clement_n epist_n ad_fw-la corinth_n have_v say_v he_o make_v trial_n of_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o again_o other_o well_o approve_v of_o shall_v succeed_v into_o the_o office_n and_o ministry_n who_o therefore_o have_v be_v constitute_v by_o famous_a and_o discreet_a man_n with_o the_o good_a like_n and_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o who_o withal_o have_v of_o a_o long_a time_n have_v a_o good_a testimony_n from_o all_o men._n leo_n give_v the_o same_o direction_n epist_n 84._o c._n 5._o charge_v that_o none_o be_v ordain_v against_o the_o will_n and_o petition_n of_o the_o people_n and_o again_o epist_n 49._o the_o custom_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v choose_v of_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v over_o all_o and_o will_n that_o the_o like_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o testimony_n be_v seek_v that_o in_o ordination_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o father_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v over_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o only_o have_v the_o allowance_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o the_o testimony_n also_o of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o cyprian_n be_v as_o clear_v for_o we_o ep._n l._n 1._o the_o people_n who_o full_o well_o and_o perfect_o know_v the_o life_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n be_v to_o be_v present_a and_o to_o be_v choose_v with_o their_o allowance_n who_o know_v the_o conversation_n of_o every_o one_o and_o he_o bring_v salinius_n his_o colleague_n for_o instance_n who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o come_v together_o each_o church_n stand_v free_a say_v dr._n bilson_n perpet_n govern._n by_o god_n law_n to_o admit_v maintain_v and_o obey_v no_o man_n as_o their_o pastor_n without_o their_o like_n and_o that_o the_o people_n election_n depend_v on_o humane_a fellowship_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o assembly_n dr._n field_n inform_v we_o that_o this_o right_n of_o the_o people_n have_v be_v invade_v many_o way_n 1._o by_o great_a personage_n and_o magistrate_n 2._o when_o the_o bishop_n grow_v to_o great_a pomp_n and_o the_o clergy_n begin_v to_o be_v enrich_v by_o benefice_n election_n be_v and_o to_o this_o day_n be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o strong_a whilst_o the_o people_n be_v not_o only_o deprive_v of_o but_o become_v ignorant_a that_o any_o right_n remain_v in_o they_o to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n or_o pastor_n now_o this_o privilege_n though_o lose_v in_o most_o national_a church_n be_v restore_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o baptise_a church_n where_o none_o be_v elect_v messenger_n bishop_n or_o deacon_n without_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o brotherhood_n where_o such_o election_n be_v make_v and_o after_o such_o election_n of_o person_n of_o know_a integrity_n and_o competent_a ability_n we_o proceed_v to_o ordination_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n act_v 13._o 3._o when_o they_o have_v fast_v and_o pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o send_v they_o away_o thus_o for_o the_o ordination_n of_o messenger_n which_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v call_v bishop_n act_n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o pray_v with_o fast_v they_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v act_n 6._o 5_o 6._o and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n a_o man_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o philip_n and_o prochorus_n and_o nicanor_n and_o timon_z and_o parmenas_n and_o nicholas_n who_o they_o set_v before_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o thus_o for_o the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n all_o which_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v religious_o restore_v and_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o baptise_a believer_n without_o any_o devise_a adjunct_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o by_o all_o which_o it_o may_v appear_v they_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n here_o i_o meet_v with_o a_o objection_n it_o be_v doubt_v by_o some_o whether_o a_o man_n have_v receive_v ordination_n as_o a_o presbyter_n may_v afterward_o have_v ordination_n as_o a_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o objector_n suppose_v that_o the_o first_o ordination_n be_v sufficient_a only_o the_o church_n must_v give_v he_o another_o commission_n this_o objection_n i_o answer_v three_o way_n 1._o by_o antiquity_n 2._o by_o reason_n 3._o by_o scripture_n 1._o antiquity_n be_v direct_o against_o this_o objection_n be_v rather_o for_o a_o threefold_a ordination_n than_o only_o one_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o and_o by_o but_o first_o i_o marvel_v how_o the_o objector_n will_v give_v a_o man_n a_o ministerial_a commission_n without_o ordination_n the_o church_n have_v no_o other_o way_n at_o all_o to_o give_v commission_n but_o by_o ordination_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n tell_v we_o how_o she_o can_v give_v her_o commission_n ministerial_a but_o by_o the_o very_a act_n of_o her_o ordination_n and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o her_o ordination_n such_o and_o no_o other_o be_v her_o commission_n now_o our_o ancient_n understand_v this_o and_o therefore_o do_v usual_o bring_v man_n gradual_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o bishop_n i._n e._n a_o messenger_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n bishop_n or_o overseer_n be_v a_o name_n common_a to_o elder_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n thus_o chrysostom_n be_v 13._o first_o ordain_v a_o deacon_n than_o a_o presbyter_n after_o that_o he_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o constantinople_n by_o theophilus_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n and_o say_v the_o learned_a bilson_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o be_v first_o deacon_n and_o upon_o trial_n when_o they_o have_v minister_v well_o and_o be_v find_v blameless_a they_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v elder_n and_o after_o that_o if_o their_o gift_n and_o pain_n so_o deserve_v they_o be_v call_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n so_o that_o every_o one_o by_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o christ_n church_n before_o he_o can_v come_v from_o minister_a to_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n receive_v thrice_o or_o at_o least_o twice_o imposition_n of_o hand_n 2._o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o every_o man_n that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n aught_o to_o have_v a_o commission_n that_o be_v a_o ordination_n commensurable_a to_o his_o ministry_n it_o be_v christ_n peculiar_a to_o give_v commission_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n only_o the_o church_n can_v do_v so_o she_o must_v confer_v ministerial_a authority_n in_o some_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n of_o deacon_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o say_v of_o person_n eminent_o qualify_v we_o order_n or_o appoint_v they_o to_o serve_v table_n or_o look_v you_o to_o the_o poor_a but_o beside_o their_o great_a qualification_n and_o election_n they_o must_v receive_v their_o commission_n or_o authority_n by_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n else_o they_o have_v no_o commission_n in_o like_o 〈…〉_z be_v solemn_o ordain_v before_o the_o holy-ghost_n have_v make_v he_o a_o overseer_n of_o the_o particular_a flock_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o then_o in_o reason_n if_o he_o have_v a_o far_o great_a charge_n afterward_o commit_v to_o he_o he_o have_v need_n of_o a_o commission_n that_o be_v a_o ordination_n for_o other_o commission_n there_o be_v none_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o take_v care_n of_o many_o church_n and_o to_o plant_v new_a church_n in_o the_o world_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o messenger_n that_o act_v as_o such_o in_o that_o great_a trust_n without_o a_o ordination_n agreeable_a to_o their_o work_n and_o it_o be_v ill_o venture_v to_o send_v man_n out_o with_o a_o commission_n too_o short_a for_o their_o employment_n it_o be_v irrational_a so_o to_o do_v and_o without_o any_o good_a example_n let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o the_o scripture_n will_v say_v in_o favour_n of_o our_o answer_n 3._o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o twofold_a apostleship_n the_o one_o limit_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n mat._n 10._o the_o other_o of_o extent_n to_o all_o nation_n mat._n 28._o if_o they_o be_v ordain_v to_o either_o than_o they_o be_v ordain_v to_o both_o and_o the_o latter_a seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o solemn_a and_o formal_a ordination_n not_o only_o for_o that_o when_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o order_n what_o to_o do_v he_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o bless_v they_o luk._n 24._o 50._o but_o also_o give_v they_o order_n to_o tarry_v at_o jerusalem_n until_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a when_o their_o work_n be_v particular_a or_o limit_v they_o have_v a_o limit_a commission_n when_o their_o work_n be_v universal_a they_o have_v a_o universal_a commission_n sure_o the_o church_n who_o have_v no_o way_n to_o give_v commission_n but_o by_o ordination_n shall_v do_v well_o and_o wise_o to_o follow_v christ_n the_o author_n of_o all_o her_o power_n when_o she_o delegate_n or_o give_v it_o forth_o to_o any_o of_o her_o minister_n this_o answer_n may_v suffice_v yet_o we_o add_v barnabas_n be_v confess_v to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o have_v a_o divine_a authority_n from_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o jew_n but_o when_o he_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n he_o have_v a_o new_a commission_n even_o a_o ordination_n as_o appear_v act_v 13._o finis_fw-la psal_n 90._o 2._o rev._n 4._o 10._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 17._o psal_n 147._o 5._o prov._n 15._o 3._o 3._o see_v the_o 35th_o of_o elizabeth_n luk._n 2._o 22_o 23_o 24._o exod._n 13._o 2._o leu._n c._n 12._o socrat._v l_o 6_o c._n 12_o 13._o
teach_v thus_o these_o two_o pillar_n of_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o derive_v their_o call_n to_o the_o ministry_n through_o the_o papacy_n as_o some_o late_a protestant_n pretend_v to_o do_v that_o they_o do_v utter_o reject_v any_o ordination_n which_o come_v from_o they_o nor_o be_v luther_n and_o beza_n ordain_v after_o they_o come_v from_o the_o papist_n mr._n stub_n occas_fw-la quaer_fw-la but_o beza_n be_v say_v to_o defend_v his_o call_n to_o the_o ministry_n by_o instance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v extraordinary_o as_o isaiah_n daniel_n amos_n zecharias_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n premise_v we_o may_v assume_v that_o either_o of_o these_o way_n as_o approve_v by_o our_o reformer_n respective_o can_v we_o go_v to_o defend_v our_o call_n to_o the_o ministry_n as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v first_o many_o of_o we_o ordain_v by_o those_o who_o receive_v ordination_n from_o you_o and_o some_o may_v run_v with_o you_o to_o bishop_n cranmer_n who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o papacy_n and_o then_o proceed_v till_o we_o come_v up_o to_o clemens_n or_o lucius_n and_o so_o to_o st._n peter_n and_o as_o for_o the_o pretence_n of_o beza_n or_o luther_n about_o their_o extraordinary_a call_n it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o give_v as_o fair_a a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o as_o either_o of_o they_o special_o if_o we_o take_v the_o rule_v give_v by_o mr._n beza_n to_o judge_n of_o such_o a_o call_v by_o to_o be_v cogent_a viz._n good_a life_n sound_a doctrine_n and_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n but_o to_o be_v plain_a we_o do_v not_o very_o well_o like_a either_o of_o these_o way_n not_o the_o first_o it_o be_v so_o sordid_a as_o that_o the_o papist_n themselves_o in_o derive_v their_o call_n through_o the_o papacy_n be_v force_v to_o take_v it_o from_o so_o many_o false_a pretend_a pope_n or_o diabolical_a pope_n even_o witch_n and_o devil_n incarnate_a by_o their_o own_o confession_n that_o they_o make_v but_o a_o lamentable_a succession_n of_o it_o in_o the_o end_n and_o especial_o if_o stapleton_n may_v be_v regard_v though_o a_o papist_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a and_o personal_a succession_n but_o lawful_a succession_n which_o be_v a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o define_v that_o to_o be_v lawful_a succession_n when_o not_o only_o the_o latter_a succeed_v into_o the_o void_a room_n of_o those_o that_o go_v before_o they_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereunto_o but_o also_o hold_v the_o faith_n which_o their_o predecessor_n do_v now_o let_v this_o rule_n be_v honest_o stand_v by_o and_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o papist_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v a_o succession_n of_o many_o point_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n from_o the_o apostle_n whilst_o the_o world_n stand_v and_o consequent_o neither_o can_v the_o protestant_n derive_v a_o lawful_a succession_n from_o they_o we_o like_v not_o the_o second_o way_n for_o we_o will_v not_o compare_v with_o isaiah_n daniel_n amos_n nor_o zechariah_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o immediate_a mission_n but_o this_o we_o say_v that_o our_o call_n to_o the_o ministry_n be_v no_o otherwise_o extraordinary_a than_o our_o call_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v so_o or_o as_o it_o stand_v clear_a from_o all_o the_o idle_a ceremony_n use_v by_o papist_n or_o other_o in_o their_o ordination_n or_o as_o it_o be_v order_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o sacred_a word_n of_o power_n to_o beget_v we_o to_o god_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o make_v we_o his_o child_n or_o christian_n and_o be_v it_o not_o of_o power_n or_o authority_n sufficient_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o own_o ordinance_n which_o be_v make_v for_o christian_n and_o not_o christian_n for_o they_o this_o seem_v just_o ridiculous_a we_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a with_o god_n and_o no_o extraordinary_a thing_n to_o raise_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o in_o a_o nation_n where_o all_o have_v corrupt_v the_o way_n of_o christianity_n or_o lose_v the_o state_n and_o praise_n of_o a_o true_a church_n mere_o through_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o read_n and_o diligent_a search_v of_o the_o scripture_n i_o speak_v of_o a_o nation_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v as_o that_o be_v our_o case_n the_o truth_n be_v all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v in_o the_o word_n make_v ready_a for_o we_o and_o lay_v at_o our_o door_n and_o we_o do_v but_o take_v up_o glad_o what_o other_o let_v lie_v as_o useless_a thing_n that_o they_o may_v hug_v their_o own_o device_n but_o now_o to_o silence_v a_o papist_n for_o ever_o which_o some_o will_v think_v to_o be_v a_o difficult_a undertake_n do_v they_o not_o allow_v even_o by_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o learned_a bellarmine_n chap._n 7._o that_o even_o a_o heathen_a that_o be_v not_o baptize_v may_v administer_v baptism_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n and_o this_o they_o esteem_v a_o valid_a baptism_n and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o we_o when_o god_n have_v open_v our_o eye_n to_o see_v any_o other_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o that_o enter_v upon_o the_o dutiful_a observance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o best_a way_n we_o can_v our_o circumstance_n especial_o the_o case_n of_o necessity_n be_v consider_v for_o be_v not_o necessity_n as_o good_a a_o warrant_n to_o take_v up_o the_o practice_n of_o or_o to_o restore_v one_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o another_o certain_o one_o ordinance_n be_v as_o sacred_a as_o another_o and_o where_o church_n be_v settle_v aught_o to_o be_v dispense_v in_o the_o most_o honourable_a way_n and_o by_o the_o most_o fit_a instrument_n even_o christ_n minister_n wherefore_o till_o the_o papist_n shall_v recall_v their_o opinion_n about_o baptism_n and_o prove_v a_o succession_n as_o necessary_a to_o baptism_n as_o ordination_n they_o can_v with_o no_o show_n of_o reason_n insist_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o ordination_n to_o be_v found_v upon_o succession_n but_o further_a it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n act_n 13._o that_o a_o succession_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o true_a ordination_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o live_v it_o be_v not_o think_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v impose_v hand_n upon_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n but_o this_o be_v do_v by_o gift_a man_n or_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n the_o only_a question_n here_o to_o be_v resolve_v be_v whether_o this_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v for_o ordination_n the_o papist_n do_v hold_v it_o be_v some_o protestant_n deny_v it_o but_o some_o protestant_n do_v affirm_v it_o mr._n churchman_n in_o his_o history_n of_o episcopacy_n tell_v out_o of_o chrysostom_n that_o though_o paul_n be_v a_o apostle_n neither_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n yet_o as_o for_o the_o work_n to_o which_o he_o be_v separate_v ask_v the_o say_a father_n say_v he_o and_o he_o will_v tell_v you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o that_o he_o be_v ordain_v a_o apostle_n here_o that_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n with_o great_a pewer_n and_o certain_o that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o apostleship_n before_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o that_o which_o follow_v after_o but_o though_o some_o protestant_n doubt_v whether_o this_o be_v paul_n ordination_n though_o the_o matter_n be_v clear_a of_o itself_o yet_o here_o be_v the_o ordination_n of_o barnabas_n without_o all_o question_n and_o than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o interruption_n of_o succession_n in_o the_o case_n of_o ordination_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o our_o day_n who_o be_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n that_o in_o vain_a do_v man_n think_v to_o find_v a_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a succession_n of_o any_o one_o ordinance_n from_o they_o wherefore_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o that_o be_v the_o case_n at_o antioch_n there_o be_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o power_n on_o the_o person_n so_o gift_v with_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o send_v forth_o or_o appoint_v man_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n although_o it_o be_v true_a this_o course_n be_v most_o warrantable_a in_o the_o case_n of_o necessity_n and_o in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v do_v in_o contempt_n or_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o that_o way_n which_o be_v more_o ordinary_a and_o regular_a howbeit_o to_o tie_v all_o power_n of_o ordination_n so_o strict_o to_o the_o person_n of_o man_n ordain_v by_o such_o as_o be_v ordain_v by_o
be_v restrain_v from_o seditious_a practice_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o we_o do_v by_o as_o good_a right_n think_v it_o unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o be_v so_o restrain_v we_o hope_v our_o legislator_n do_v not_o intend_v at_o all_o to_o exalt_v their_o authority_n against_o the_o lord_n who_o power_n be_v above_o all_o but_o yet_o when_o these_o law_n come_v to_o be_v execute_v upon_o good_a man_n by_o the_o industry_n of_o mercenary_a fellow_n mere_o for_o worship_v god_n then_o be_v they_o turn_v into_o snare_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o innocent_a and_o dishonour_n of_o that_o power_n which_o give_v they_o be_v and_o all_o this_o fall_v out_o for_o want_v of_o better_a provision_n in_o the_o say_a law_n to_o convict_v man_n of_o sedition_n than_o only_o because_o they_o be_v observe_v to_o preach_v or_o pray_v 4._o wherefore_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o our_o assembly_n be_v true_a church-assembly_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n we_o be_v able_a to_o make_v into_o the_o due_a nature_n and_o order_n of_o such_o assembly_n we_o conceive_v ourselves_o indispensible_o bind_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o and_o best_a church_n and_o the_o tie_n of_o conscience_n as_o regulate_v by_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o religion_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v or_o change_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o change_n of_o time_n or_o man_n law_n be_v also_o rational_o persuade_v that_o the_o more_o public_a and_o free_a man_n be_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n the_o less_o danger_n of_o sedition_n wherefore_o with_o innocent_a heart_n and_o pure_a hand_n as_o to_o any_o design_n of_o sedition_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n we_o will_v keep_v his_o way_n and_o let_v the_o lord_n do_v with_o we_o as_o seem_v he_o good_a sect_n v._o of_o the_o baptise_a believer_n call_v to_o christianity_n and_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n when_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o their_o performance_n of_o this_o his_o gracious_a will_n may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n or_o nation_n and_o that_o man_n enjoy_v a_o great_a mercy_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o thankful_a to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o nation_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v and_o receive_v by_o their_o progenitor_n and_o that_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a blessing_n to_o be_v bear_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o we_o believe_v we_o ought_v to_o love_n and_o honour_v our_o nation_n and_o the_o ruler_n of_o it_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o nature_n and_o law_n viz._n because_o they_o assert_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o general_a as_o well_o as_o we_o nor_o be_v it_o our_o business_n to_o destroy_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n receive_v in_o any_o nation_n nor_o at_o all_o to_o despise_v the_o ministry_n that_o conscientious_o uphold_v it_o but_o only_o to_o labour_v that_o christianity_n may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o error_n that_o have_v encumber_a it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o change_n of_o government_n and_o interest_n or_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n past_a and_o in_o this_o consideration_n as_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o nation_n to_o be_v a_o christian_a nation_n so_o we_o count_v ourselves_o much_o more_o happy_a in_o be_v member_n of_o a_o nation_n that_o own_v the_o true_a god_n christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o true_a and_o that_o faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o way_n to_o true_a blessedness_n than_o to_o have_v be_v of_o any_o other_o nation_n whatsoever_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n in_o the_o word_n of_o tertullian_n i._n e._n we_o be_v not_o bear_v but_o make_v christian_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o our_o mere_a birth_n of_o christian_a parent_n do_v qualify_v we_o or_o give_v we_o a_o actual_a right_n to_o christ_n ordinance_n but_o to_o this_o end_n we_o believe_v and_o know_v that_o every_o person_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v or_o some_o way_n make_v know_v to_o they_o and_o that_o a_o work_n of_o real_a grace_n or_o the_o new_a birth_n at_o least_o by_o a_o solemn_a profession_n must_v precede_v our_o baptismal_a covenant_n to_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v full_a consent_n john_n 1._o 12_o 13._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o eph._n 2._o 10._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o and_o thus_o we_o and_o we_o so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n do_v call_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v actual_o incorporate_a with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n militant_a and_o engage_v thenceforth_o in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a call_v and_o actual_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o but_o now_o whether_o we_o have_v any_o lawful_a call_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v the_o business_n to_o be_v a_o little_a consider_v partly_o for_o that_o some_o of_o our_o late_a persecutor_n be_v please_v to_o suggest_v the_o contrary_a and_o partly_o to_o put_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o strict_a trial_n even_o in_o this_o case_n where_o we_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o most_o deficient_a the_o question_n in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v resolve_v be_v 1._o whether_o a_o succession_n of_o ordination_n from_o man_n to_o man_n down_o from_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o due_a call_v to_o the_o ministry_n or_o 2._o whether_o the_o same_o mean_n that_o be_v of_o authority_n sufficient_a to_o make_v man_n christian_n be_v not_o also_o sufficient_a to_o make_v minister_n in_o answer_n to_o these_o question_n we_o shall_v do_v little_o more_o than_o offer_v what_o we_o have_v former_o write_v upon_o this_o subject_a and_o though_o the_o papist_n be_v the_o man_n who_o stand_v most_o stiff_o for_o succession_n as_o necessary_a yet_o of_o late_o we_o find_v our_o friend_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n look_v that_o way_n as_o if_o they_o will_v justify_v their_o ordination_n in_o a_o successive_a line_n from_o man_n to_o man_n through_o the_o papacy_n which_o thing_n be_v disclaim_v by_o dr._n luther_n with_o the_o great_a vehemency_n in_o these_o word_n whoso_o love_v christ_n aught_o to_o endure_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o papist_n because_o in_o their_o ordination_n all_o thing_n be_v carry_v with_o such_o wicked_a preposterousness_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o mad_a and_o blind_a they_o will_v perceive_v how_o they_o mock_v god_n to_o his_o face_n being_n strike_v with_o a_o universal_a blindness_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n special_o the_o bishop_n who_o ordain_v let_v i_o be_v count_v a_o fool_n a_o knave_n a_o liar_n if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o of_o they_o ordain_v by_o they_o who_o dare_v say_v that_o at_o such_o time_n as_o he_o receive_v order_n he_o be_v command_v to_o dispense_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o teach_v the_o gospel_n but_o they_o ordain_v sacrificer_n of_o the_o unbloody_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o to_o hear_v confession_n etc._n etc._n thus_o far_o luther_n and_o the_o oath_n which_o they_o take_v at_o their_o ordination_n as_o set_v down_o by_o mr._n bullinger_n be_v very_o un-gospel-like_a the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v in_o these_o word_n that_o the_o priest_n will_v be_v a_o true_a subject_n to_o the_o pope_n obey_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o roman_a church_n and_o that_o he_o will_v persecute_v heretic_n beza_n censure_v all_o ordination_n take_v from_o the_o papist_n let_v we_o hear_v he_o speak_v what_o ordinary_a vocation_n be_v that_o which_o you_o say_v the_o first_o reformer_n have_v except_v some_o few_o of_o they_o be_v it_o not_o the_o pall_n shall_v we_o think_v then_o that_o the_o popish_a order_n be_v valid_a in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o any_o precede_a enquiry_n into_o manner_n no_o such_o enquiry_n or_o procedure_n as_o be_v inviolable_o to_o be_v make_v or_o observe_v by_o divine_a right_n in_o election_n and_o ordination_n shall_v we_o think_v so_o high_o of_o their_o ordination_n that_o as_o often_o as_o any_o false_a bishop_n be_v convert_v to_o true_a christianity_n immediate_o all_o the_o filth_n uncleanness_n and_o impurity_n collate_v be_v wash_v away_o nay_o but_o with_o what_o face_n or_o conscience_n will_v he_o be_v able_a to_o forsake_v popery_n and_o not_o abjure_v his_o irregular_a ordination_n or_o if_o he_o do_v abjure_v it_o how_o can_v he_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o claim_v authority_n to_o