Peruse I beseech you the primitive practise the records of all those Ordinations which you finde in the Acts of the Apostles 1.6.13.14 Chapt. what prints read you or the obscurest trace of the peoples putting men into the Office of Ministers Peruse to these the Epistles that most particularly treat of and purposely take up this subject or argument those to Timothy and Titus and yet tell us where may wee finde the smallest track or footstep ' Las if the peoples suffrage had been enough to set men in Office what need such pressing arguments from Paul to Timothy and Titus and such particular instruments of them with this business that they Ordain Elders in Crete and Ephesus Doth he write at this rate in any one of all the Epistles he sendeth to the Churches or in either of these Epistles sent to these Officers that the Churches see to the Ordaining of Elders c. Again if so what need or right had Paul to interess himself or Barnabas so far as to Ordain Elders in every Church at Lystra Icontum and Antioch c. Act. 14.19.23 Would they have so abused their own power or the peoples priviledges as by this to have been arraigned for busie-bodies in other mens matters which they might have been had Ordination been in the power and right of the Churches 'T is true we may be properly enough called the Ministers and Messengers of the Churches so far as I know But how Not as if they were the originall but are the object of our authoritative mission and messages not as if we were sent from and by them into this Office but as sent to and for them for their obedience and joy of faith unless men may be said to send messengers to themselves Sect. 2 The Ministry is not to bee committed till after probation or triall made Oh that dreadfull charge I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the Elect Angels lay hands suddenly on no man 1 Tim. 5.21.22 Timothy must not for so much as the Office of a Deacon therefore surely not for the Office of a Bishop or Minister Let these also first bee proved then let them use the Office of a Deacon 1 Tim. 3.10 'T is an abuse then to put men into the Office of the Ministry before or without proof made Nor may this proof bee slight and overly but must bee diligent and distinctive n) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 est propâ—â—è explorare qualis in se res sit a diversis aut contrariis discernere inquit Pareus Nec solummodo probare sed approbare signisicat ut poâ—â— perspectum sic apud Luc. 14.19 1 Pet. 1.7 Phil. 1.10 1 Thes 2.4 apud Plutarc de Instit liber 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Proved they should bee in their spirituall and inward call to the Ministry and in their suitable qualifications for the Ministry What they are for life what for learning and what they are like to be for labour What are their purposes by it what iâ— their proportion to it and what will bee their perseverance in it In a word what of God and grace is to be found in them and what of forwardness and zeal there is and will be for God Thirdly With prayer and fasting Such was the primitive practise Acts 6.6 13.3 14.23 and stands upon record as our pattern Whether these enter the essence of Ordination I say not but sure I am that they are of eminent and excellent observation and use Is our Lord himself therefore about to choose and authoritatively to send abroad Apostles He continueth all night before it in prayer to God and when it was day he called unto him his Disciples and of them hee chose Twelve whom also he named Apostles Luk. 6.12 13. Ah sirs pray pray you that want and would have Pastors Fasting prayers will make fervent preachers We beseech you brethren for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake and for the love of the Spirit that yee will strive together with us in your prayers to God o) Rom. 15.30 this day Oh the weaknesses of our persons the work we are to perform the worth and weight of God's presence and our want of your prayers which if earnest will be sure to be effectuall prayers p) â—aÌ„ 5.16 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the Harvest that he wil send forth these expectants Labourers into his Harvest q) Mat. 9.38 Sect. 4. With imposition of hands Thus Timothy was Ordained 1 Tim. 4.14 and was to Ordain 1 Tim 5.22 What though Papists have placed it among the Sacraments must wee therefore pluck it from among the Saints although Paul preserveth it among the principles of the doctrine of Christ Heb. 6 1 2. under what notion or to what purpose I shall not dispute Surely their dotage on it will be a poor Apologie for our deniall or despising of it upon whom the true light hath shined especially when the whole solemnity of Ordination is once and again set forth by this one Ceremony 1 Tim. 4.14 and 5.22 2 Tim. 1.6 and you hear none of us pleading for it as a Sacrament though we would not be put by from any solemn right especially if an inseparable adjunct to an Ordinance of Christ Is Timothy enjoyned to lay hands suddenly on no man 1 Tim. 5.22 what less can be implyed than that he lay hands solemnly upon some at least after mature scrutiny I shall not expatiate but if beside the concurrent profession and practice of the reformed Churches r) See a brief view of theiâ— coÌ„currence herein offered you by Dr. Seaman in his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at the beginning Propâ—fâ—â—ion 3. if Paul so pretious a Saint and so profound a Scholar did thus accept it in his own Ordination to the Ministry as hee did Act. 13.3 and did thus act and assist in the Ordination of others as hee did 2 Tim. 1.6 God forbid that I or any other should so much listen to pride prejudice or what ever else it bee as to hesitate it causlesly or to harden my self against it contem trously ' Paul's prescription and precedent me thinks will be enough to acquit and answer for us though we had nothing else to render in account why we retain this ancient rite by which yet publick offices have been wont to be conveighed Numb 27.18 23. and 8.10 Act. 6.6 and this partacularly 1 Tim. 4.14 'T is true when Paul enjoins Titus to Ordain Elders in every City Titus 1.5 hee doth not prescribe expresly imposition of hands Nor doth he prohibit it but rather points it out not obscurely by two things though the common practice thereof in those times might have been intimation enough to him and a justification for it against this exception 1. By leading him back to former instructions as I had appointed thee wherein if wee may make judgment from what Paul practised Å¿) Act. 14.23 2 Tim. 1.6 to what Paul prescribed this
presbyters in Office whose part it was in the Ordination of Timothy 1 Tim. 4.14 Their common care and charge it was and not Pauls only 2 Tim. 1.6 We never read Paul to have practiced in or to have pretended to a sole power of Ordination or to so much as a negative voice in that particular though no doubt he had a greater latitude of authority than any can now lay claim to as being an Apostle not of or by man but by Jesus Christ Yet Paul was neither ordained nor did Ordain without the concurrence of some other Act. 13.1 2 3. ch 14.23 ' If any will yet implead ordination by a presbytery because without a Prelate 1 he ought to produce the divine institution of a Prelate distinct from a dignified beyond a Presbyter or Minister Certain we are the Apostles have left no such one upon their list of Church Officers Eph. 4 11. Rom. 12.6 7 8. 1 Cor. 12.28 and clear it is that a Bishop and Presbyter are all one in the language of the Scripture a) See sect 2. Tit. 1.10 b) vid. Hieronym ad Loc. Idem est ergo Presbyter qui Episcopus c. 1 Tim. 3.1 2. c) Post Episcopum Diaconi ordinationem subjicit Quare i st quia Episcopi Presbyteri una ordinatio est uterque exim saeerdos est Ambros ad Loc. c. having the same office the same ordination the same characters given to and qualitier ' required in them and the same work being committed to them And as clear 't is that a Presbyter or ordinary Minister is vested with a power of government or rule 1 Tim. 5.17 Heb. 13.7 17. 1 Thes 5.12 Act. 20.17 28. 2. Hee ought to prove the divine investiture of prelates with Ordination ard imposition of hands different from presbyters whereof ' we read not one word in all the Scriptures but of the laying on of the hands of the presbytery in fair and open characters 1 Tim. 4.14 True 't is that we read of Ordination by Timothy and Titus ' Evangelists by Paul and Barnabas Apostles but this neither directly serveth the cause of the Prelates they being neither Apostles nor Evangelists nor indirectly unlesse they can prove themselves to be a distinct order or dignity of Ministers by the divine appointment of Jesus Christ in that sence can put in a plea of being their successors which a Presbyter in a fair construction may 1 Pet. 5.1 2. Though a Prelate without a forced construction cannot Where doth ' the Scripture prescribe that there should be any ordination of Prelates different from or over and above their former ordination as Presbyters Or that there should be any Ordination by prelates as distinct from Presbyters When it is a ruled case that a Bishop or Prelate ordained per saltum i. e. who never had the Ordination of a Presbyter himself but only of a Bishop can neither consecrate and administer the Sacrament of the Lords body nor ordain a Presbyter d) of the Church l. 3. ch 39. by which it appeareth that a Bishop doth not excell a Presbyter by a distinct and higher order or power of order ' for which Doctor Field hath produced the acknowledgment of the most learned among the Papists d) Aquin. Bonavent Dominic à Soto Armacanus Camerar Contarenus e The instance of Timothy and Titus as if Bishops of Ephesus and Crete will be a covering too narrow For as we never read the Spirit of God calling them Bishops in Scripture the Post-script to those Epistles being disowned from being any part of the Canon by many Papists even by Baronius and the Rhemists and are so disproved by severall Protestants f vide Beza Anot. maj ad 1 Tim. 6.22 ad 2 Tim. 4.23 ad Tit. 3.14 So Timothy is expresly enough called an Evangelist 2 Tim. 4.5 ' Nor could their frequent removes g see them described Jus Divin Min. Evan. par 2. p. 69. Smectimnuus sect 13. after the mention of their being at Ephesus and Crete have any consistence ' with the charge or Office of a Bishop which obligeth to a fixed residence among his flock to passe other reasons h see Jus Di vin Minist Evang. par 2. c. 5. throughout against their diocesan Episcopacy ' Their frequent diversions and journeys and various dispatches to and fro at the desire of the Apostles and as might best subserve the design and welfare of the generall visible Church do loudly enough proclaim them to be Evangelists I know there are on the other hand that vest the people with this power and priviledge of Ordination beyond what was ever possessed by the Prelates But with no countenance that I know from Christ yea or conveniency to Christians while it is little other than a seed-plot of dissentions among them and of divisions into parties and while beside their distance from the power of ruling whose place it is to be ruled such are their disabilities disproportion to make proof of mens ready instruction to the kingdom of God either in cleering the difficulties of the Gospel or in eâ—viâ—cing gainsayers 'T is true We read whatsome ingeniously observe before us k) London Ministâ—e in their Jns div min. evan par 3. c. 13. of Ordaining Elders in every Church but we never read of Ordaining Elders by any Church They Ordained them Elders in every Church Act. 14.23 Who Ordained them Paul and Barnabas for the people not the people for themselves That every Church should Ordain them Elders in every Church grates too much upon common sense and truth Nor will the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 help it out for what ever bee the import of l) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i.e. To stretch out the hand which is still done in Ordination with imposition of hands Nor can there much more be evinced by the usage of this word in this place if there be any worth in that observation of learned Stephanus that it signifieth not to give suffrage but to create ordain c. when it governs an accusarive case as here it doth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Steph. Thesaur Ling. graec ad verbum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 manifest enough it is both from what is antecedent to this expression and what is after it that Paul and Barnabas were the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to whom they must necessarily bee understood to relate nine times besides in the narrative or relation which is herewith made ver 21. ad finem Far be it from mee to divest the Churches of Jesus from any part of those priviledges which are given them by his charter Let it be granted them for me that the people may choose and look out men and set them before the Presbytery as they did for Deacons before the Apostles still observing their limies Act. 6.3 5 6. But the Presbytery 't is that commit the Ministry appoint and send forth the men as then did the Apostles ver 3.6
Churchthere haling men and women to prisons v. 3. which is another probability that they were onely men in office who went thus preaching to and fro to which you may add the pregnancy of the expression which Luk maketh use of verse 4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which this Evangelist hath so often and onely used of preachers by office Act. 5.4 and 8.12 and 10.36 Luk. 8.1 and 9.6 and 20.1 as the late learned laborious and pious Assemblie do animadvert * see their answer to the Reas of the diss brethren p 30 31 32. Object ' But we find Apollos teaching the way of the Lord diligently even in the Synagogue Act. 18.25 True but who was Apollos not onely an elequent man mighty in the Scriptures verse 24. but is expresly mentioned to be one of the Ministers by whom the Corinthians believed 1 Cor. 3.5 6. and in that regard he is owned by Paul as his brother Apollos 1 Cor. 16.12 and ranked with him Pet 1 Cor. 1.12 Say you he was not put into office when he preached at Ephesus Act. 18. but how prove you it Surely the mention of his knowledg only of John's baptism i. e. his doctrine and Ministry ver 25 will be too slender a proof thereof especially if you consider the other characters therewith given him and the contracted knowledge of the Disciples of Jesus some time after their first sending forth and that John had his Disciples as well as had Jesus his But further suppose we it yet what can be more inferred than we readily grant viz. that that one who purposeth the Ministry and is preparatorily qualified for it may give proof of his qualifications by preaching some sermons e're his putting into office into which it is manifest that Apollos was if not already put yet not long after this at Corinth to which he passed from Ephesus ver * cum Ch. 19.1 26. Object ' Doth not Jehosophat send his princes toteach in the Cities of Judah 2 Chron. 17 7. and with them the Priests and Levites v. 8 and they taught in Judah v. 9. True So that there is never an unsent teacher Amemorable and imitable precedeÌ„ no doubt for supreme governours that the teachings of the Law of the Land and of the Law of the Lord do go together the Magistrates teaching that and taking care for and giving countenance to the Ministers teaching this But behold it is so done as the matters of the Lord and the matters of the Kinâ— are distinctly ordered by distinct officers as the same Jehosophat appoints Chap 19.11 So that it no where appeareth that the secular Lords and Princes did teach the same matters and in the same maÌ„ner as did the Priests Levites ' Object Say any yet amongst us Sir we have been proved and approved by the Ministers of Jesus Som of us formerly under the power of the Committees some now before the present CoÌ„missioners which are intrusted with the inductioÌ„ of Ministers Why should you press us to ordination who can already offer so fair and full a plea for the office Ans Be it so as you have said in the former part though how many have crept in at another door without either probation or approbatioÌ„ I am loth to speak Surely as I cannot but coÌ„mend so much care on the part of the civil Magistrate e're he invests men with the civil right of enjoying the maintenance or inducteth them to the exercise of the Ministry in such a particular parish yet this covering I must tell you will be too narrow for you who expect the doublehonour and execute the office of the Ministers of Christ How strictly you were proved your selves best know but that you were not solemnly approved with prayer fasting and imposition of hands who knoweth not If your selves will but ask your approvers now or heretofore you will easily receive this ready answer That they did not put you into the office of Ministers such kind of ordinations having no patrons that I know among men nor pretexts for it from God nor scarce any consistence with any principles amongst us whatsoever But what they did was to permit and approve you so far as concerned them as delegated from the civill Magistrate to the exercise and enjoyments of the Ministry in such a place Formerly none might be approved but such as were already office-Ministers at present none but such as are if not actually made Ministers yet apt and able for the Ministry the actuall investiture of men with which Office is not their present buisnesse And though whether this investiture be in the power of the Presbytery or of the people may not be so well accorded Yet that there is something else than the present approbation for making one an Office-Minister is on all hands between those of the presbyterian and Congregational perswasions assented to ' Sirs may any or all this weigh with you Or will you yet retain your prejudices Let me onely mind you of that of the Apostle That no man think of himself more highly then he ought to think Rom. 12 3. and renew my former motion once more to you and I passe to the next use Sirs are you gifted in earnest for the Ministry and have you not gilded over your preaching out of Office with pretexts only Oh! com come try your qualifications and take up a commission and see whether wee 'l not give you the right hand of fellowship Vse 3. Of hearty Counsell wherein I must and shall be very contract being sensible both of your work and my own weakness It shall be 1. To you unto whom this office is or shall be this day committed 2. To you over whom God hath or shall commit such officers Sect. 1. To you unto whom this Office already is or shall be this day committed Is it so c. This calleth upon you to do the whole Officâ— that is committed to you of God and â—o to demean your selves as those that have this holy Office commâ—ttâ—d to you of God 1. 'To dâ— the whole Office that is committed to you Make full proof of your Ministry 2 Tim 4.5 'T is let me tell you of a vast câ—mpass doctrinall disciplinary publick private in season and out of season c. and of a vast consequence elâ—e it hâ—d never bâ—en so affectionately perswaded by Christ and so awfully pressed by his Apostle or so frequently by both Joh. 21.15 16 17. 1 Tim. 5.21 ch 6.13.14 2 Tim. 4.1 ad 6. As ever we would have peace in our own bosomes or be pure from others blood let us with-hold nothing from our people that is profitable for them to know and proper for us to communicate This will be their crown and our comfort Acts 20.20 27 28. If we would not be counted men but of half-hearts or would not be contented with an half-holinesse in our people or with an half-heaven for our own persons let us do I pray you our whole work It
naturall If all may be Teachers where are the others to be taught of whom this Text tells us Need I mention the practice under the Law the Prophecies then touching the Gospel or the precedents left us in the times of the Gospel He that runs may read a constant discretion between the Priests and people then between Pastor and people now between the members of the Church and the Ministers of the Church in both To the Law and to the Testimony And here how eminent a difference hath the Holy Ghost made Ministers of the Church are to be overseers members of the Church to be overseen Acts 20.28 These are set under those said to be over them in the Lord 1 Thes 5.12 These are to submit those to preside and rule Heb. 13.7 17. Briefly these to bee taught the other to teach Galat. 6. ver 6. Yea teach we must not only with assiduity but with authority With authority I say not magisterial indeed as if we were Lords over the Church 1 Pet. 5.3 That is interdicted Mar. 10.42 but Ministertall as over the Church in the Lord 1 Thes 5.12 this is incouraged Heb. 13.17 Far far be it that we should preach up such an authority as if we had dominion over your faith 2 Cor. 1.24 No all the authority which we plead for is the dispensation not domination committed to us for the good of the faithfull 1 Cor. 9.17 The authority which the Lord hath given us is for your edification and not for your destruction 2 Cor. 10.8 And with this restriction and under this respect let me tell you that we are to teach and exhort and rebuke not only with authority but with all authority Tit. 2.15 and there is not that holy Minister but may speak wiâ—h holy Micah according to his measure Truly I am full of power by the spirit of the Lord of judgment and of might to declare unto Jacob his transgression unto Israel his sin Mic. 3.8 True it is that all Church-members ought to be teachers of others Heb. 5.12 But this private and charitative Christ hath therefore over and above appointed in his Church such teaing likewise as may be publick and authoritative i.e. that there be such teachers who are by power and authority derived from him to them publickly to open and apply the Scriptures for the conversion and edification of souls as in his stead and not only in private ' Where yet such in teaching are properly enough said to preach though it be in a private house Act. 5.42 or but to one particular person Act. 8.35 it being not simply an act of ' charity in them but an act of authority which it cannot be said to be in others Charitative teaching which should be every mans work too soon becometh no mans work And therefore Christ hath ordained that there be peculiar officers for authoritative teaching who are to give themselvs wholly to it 1 Tim. 4.15 and must not only be able to teach as the Text speaks but must be apt to teach 2 Tim. 2.24 and abide in teaching 1 Tim. 4.16 And unto these teachers all people are bound to attend as those that teach not only by ability but by authority derived from Jesus Christ Luke 12.16 Indeed how shall they hear without a preacher sent RoÌ„ 10.14 15 Think you that such teachers are now ceased and that this office was of no longer continuance than the first age or century of the Church Oh! Where are your considerations of the everlasting Kingdome of Christ a) Is 9.6.7 Lu. 1.33 of the Churches perpetual existencies b) Mat. 16.18 Heb. 12.27 28. and of her continued pressing exigencies c) Rom. 10.14 Eph. 4.12.13 14. or of our dearest Christs ends by and engagements to the Ministry d) Mat. 28.19 20. Lu. 24.46 47. Did a Kingdom ever stand without Officers Did the Church ever subsist without a Ministry and Ordinances Or hath Christ said that she ever should on this side glory Nay hath he not rather told us that the word of the Lord endureth for ever and that this is the word which by the Gospell is preached to you 1 Pet. 1.24.25 Beloved did not Christ assure his Christian Churches by prophecy under the Old Testament of giving them teachers by office without limiting it to this or that Century or age Jer. 3.15 Nay rather letting us understand that he will have such continued even after the Jews are called if you compare that vers with the 14 16 17. ver Or Jer. 23.3.4 c. or Isa 66.20 21. Besides When Christ had actually sent forth first the Twelve Mat. 10.1 and after that the Seventy Luk. 10.1 and again enlarged their Commission Mat. 28.19 doth not he ascertain his presence with them e're he parted from the earth alway to the end of the world ver 20. which could not intend themselves onely but must include their successors * Quamvis quoad modum gradum extraordinarii Ministri nullos habent successores quoad ipsam tamen essentiam administrationis eodem officio funguntur Ministri Ordinarii versus Ecclesiam quo extraordinarii olim fungebantur Ames Medu Theol. lib. 1. ca. 35. n. 4. who-ever are according to his ordinance bid go teach and baptize For the Disciples where are they and the Apostles do they live for ever Again being ascended up on high did not our Lord Christ give gifts unto men and thus not only some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists but som Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the Body of Christ ends of continued and constant observation need and use But till when shall these Pastors and teachers endure and how long shal the Church enjoy them Till wee are all come in or into * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quod scitè exposuit Syrus interpres quasi Scriptum sit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bâ—zâ— Annot maj ad Loc. the unity of the faith and of the knowledg of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Eph. 4 8 11 12 13. Shall I add to all this how Christ hath particularly directed for the investiture of fit and faithfull men with this Office in his severall Churches in these two Epistles to Timothy and in the next to Titus and how hee will have these Commandments inviolably and impartially kept until his appearing 1 Tim. 5.21 22. chap 6.14 Readers if you can believe that there is no more need of labourers for husbandry 1 Cor. 3.9 or of seedsmen or reapers for harvest 2 Cor. 9.11 Luk. 10.2 or of builders for houses 1 Cor. 3.9 10. or of some to plant and water for gardens and orchards 1 Cor. 3.6 then and not till then may you believe that the Church shall have no more need of Ministers by office for thus the Scriptures mentioned express our necessities of them to us Sure
is not said how shall they preach except they be gifted but except they be sent and that as watchmen and messengers as the next words import out of the Prophet Isaiah 52.7.8 So the Scripture never saith that gifting is sending but supposeth that ordinarily before this distinctly speaks of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. of the abilities to preach or prophecy and authority to preach or prophecy of mens suitable qualifications for it and sending forth with commissions for it Witness Ezek. 2.2 3. Isai 6.7.8 9. Jer. 1.7 9. Joh. 20.21 22. And what though it be true that sending imports many times Gods commmanding men to go forth to the work of the Ministry yet as no gifted brother can shew us any such command from God so it 's observable that the Scripture never mentions any as sent forth to preach or prophesie but the same persons were always either mediately or immediately appointed of God unto the Office Witnesse Isai 1 8 9. Jer. 1.5 7. Ezek. 2.4 Mat. 10 1 5 16. Mar. 3 14. Joh. 1.6 Mat. 11.10 c. An immediate missioÌ„ appointment to this Office there are no pious men will boast they have or if they did there are no prudent men will believe they have till they see it attested with a power of miracles Nor is there any promise whereupon any should hope for it So that I cannot but conclude upon the whole That no man can now preach Ordinarily and orderly without Ordination or being sent forth of God mediately He sins in preaching that is not thus sent forth with power But to draw the proof of this proposition out into more paâ—ticulars Bee pleased to observe the expresse precepts eminent precedents and evident prescriptions wherewith God hath countenanced it and the elegant properties titles wherewith Ministers are clothed which bespeak it Sect. 1. See the expresse precepts of God for it to wave the implicit only * 1 Tim. 5.22 Rom. 10.15 Heb. 5.4 Behold as they ministred to the Lord and fasted Act. 13.2 the holy Ghost said Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them And accordingly the Prophets and teachers mentioned ver 1. When they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands onthem they sent them away ver 3. Observe Christians God had suited them to the work God had supplied them with fitnesse yet these must separate them to the work and send them forth And why this separating think we of such extraordinary officers if not to sanctifie as it were and seall an Imprimatur upon the ordinary rule It is granted that Pauls Apostleship was not of men neither by man but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead Gal. 1.1 That he was first immediately designed hereunto by Jesus Christ as it was declared to Ananias Act. 9.15 Bâ—â— if the holy Ghost will have one so miraculously immediately called to pass thiâ— common road before the ordinary execution of his office among the Gentiles who of us then may plead immunity from it or proudly take another by-path Though God had every way qualified Paul and Barnabas for the ministery though God had eminently called them to the ministry yet that these Prophets and Teachers do externally commission or separate them to the Ministry likewise iâ— evidently the command of the Holy Ghost Let me present you next with that precept of God by Paul to Titus Ch. 1.5 And ordain Elders in every City as I had appointed thee What Elders meaneth he By age No time as one saith * Collins vindic Minist Evang. qu. 2. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. not Titus must make these What Elders then Flders by Office as the words ensuing clear it and those not in the state but among and over the Saints Bishops or overseeers who are to hold fast the faithfull word verse 7 9. Now thus there is somewhat supposed in these words that there should be Elders in every City where the Churches were established and somwhat proposed how the Churches must be supplyed with Elders How so Titus must ordain them Ordain Elders in every City They are not Elders by Office then till Ordination But what is this must Titus qualifie them for this Office and is this all which is intended by it No this was God's part and is to be presupposed on their part e're Titus may put forth any such act towards them as Ordination is if you consult the following verses 6. ad 10. Titus may discuss and ventilate their gifts and qualifications but God onely can derive and furnish d) Is 1.17 1 Cor. 12.6 That which Titus hath in charge is to Ordain to confer the Office of Elders 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in that notion is the word used not only by profane Authors frequently b) Sic apud DemostheneÌ„ Xenoph. HerodiaÌ„ occurrunt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 similiter but by the Apostles Act. 6.3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. whom we may appoint over this business as our translators render it This how did they but by prayer and laying their hands on them ver 6. and so putting them into the Office of Deacons besides if gifts if qualifications could have made them Elders of what need or use was there of such an order from Paul or of Ordination by Tituâ— for thus they had been Elders already before and without either if but 〈◊〉 charactered as the next verses do describe And if so how is Titus requireâ— to Ordain such and why restrained to Ordain such onely So obvious is iâ— that beside a competency of ability of their part there must be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an appointment or Ordination on Titus's parâ— likewise or they are not to be acknowledged Elders So express are the precepts of God for it Sect. 4. And what eminent precedents find we among the godly for it Surely no man taketh this honour to himself but he that is called of God Heb 5.4 True many a man doth de facto but not any man doth i. e. ought de jure Not Aaron under the Law nor any of the Priests after his order ' They were separated from among the children of Israel to their Office * NuÌ„ 8.14 2.6 1 50. Exo. 28.1 2 Chro. 29.11 which was not only to offer sacrifice unto God but to open the statutes of God teach in Israel b) Deut. 33 10 Levit. 10.11 2 Chr. 17.18.9 the work now of every Gospel Minister So nor did the Apostle and high-Priest of our profession Christ Jesus He also glorified not himself to be made an high-Priest but he that said unto him Thou art my son to day have I begotten thee Heb. 5.5 What did he glorifie himself to be made a Prophet then Neither The Spirit of the Lord God saith he is upon mee and hath anointed mee to preach good tidings c. Isa 61.1 i.e. anointed
Beloved why are these things written and for whom think we Are they not for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come Doubtlesse whatsoever things were written aforetime were writteÌ„ for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope Rom. 15.4 Ah Sirs may we dare to reject this word of Christ or remove to another way of our own or others contriving either frame new ways of committing the Ministry I mean or else frowardly deny the continuance of the Ministry as too many do Nay can you so forget the Commandment of Christ and his Covenant with his Ministers which hee calls upon us so affectionately to remember as a thing of most happy remarke Mat. 28.19.20 Go teach c. Lo I am with you alway 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all days 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the end of the world Which cannot bee restrained to the end of that age as the pregnancy and propriety of this phrase * See it learnedly Vindicated opened Jus divin Mini. EvaÌ„ par 1. c. 2. p. 27. ad 31 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the parallel usage of it by this same Evangelist Mat. 13.40 m Chap. 24.3 n besides the precedent passage which is not all your days but all days do plentifully evince Or have you so forgotten that command by Paul to Timothy I give thee charge in the sight of God who quickneth all things and before Christ Jesus who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession That thou keep this commandment without spot unrebukeable untill the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ What commandment intends he I humbly conceive with Beza and others * Chrysost Homil 18. Ambr. Lyra GorraÌ„ Cornel à Lavide Diodat Engl. Annotat. ad ver 1â— this complex commandment contained in and carried along thorow the whole Epistle unto which the Apostle quickens him with six arguments (p Dickson ad loc And thus it eminently taketh in that well-nigh paralell charge Chap. 5. ver 21.22 which includeth the conferring of the Ministeriall Office as doth the third Chapter And what though this Commandment could not bee fulfilled till the coming of Christ by Timothy himself yet might it bee by Timothie's successors ' Who are clearly concerned to attend this charge of the Apostle as addressed to them in Timothy the import and intent of the Scriptures being not only for the present men and times but for all that succeed or follow q) RoÌ„ 15. â— Psa 119.152 Lu. 16.16 17. Rev. 22.19 And verily 1. if there shall still be till his coming both sinners to be begotten unto Christ and to be brought into his Church and if there be Saints to bee brought forward and to bee built up in communion with Christ and his Church and if there be souls to bee sanctified and saved until the time of his appearance which who doubts that believes any thing And 2. if our Lord Christ hath onely ordinarily annexed and appointed to bestow these great blessings by a Ministery sent as it is cleer he hath Rom. Chap. 10. verse 14 15. Ephesians Chapt. 4. verse 11 12 13. Having by this onely usually brought about the addition of sinners to his Church and to himself Acts the second Chapter and the 41. and 47. verses and Chap. 11. vers 24. the conversion of souls to and their confirmation in and with himself Acts Chap. 26.18.15.32 The remission of sins and regeneration of sinners Acts 26. Chapter 18. ver and 1 Corin. Chap. 4. vers 15. The new birth of souls and to believe in himself James Chap. 1. verse 18. and 1 Corinth Chap. 3 vers 5. The subduing of sin and Satan and the salvation of Saints 2 Corinth Chap. 10. verse 4.5 and 1 Corinth Chap. 1. verse 21. And 3. If our Lord Christ doth not now extraordinarily send forth any as it 's plain hee doth not neither immediately designing out any persons nor delivering to any a power of miracles I say if so then of necessity the ordinary way of committing this Office and of sending out such Officers which was given in charge to Timothy and Titus are of a continuing obligation and of consant observation in the Churches of Jesus Christ Sect. 4. Let me put you in mind but of one thing more and this is the Elegant titles that are given to Ministers which do all bespeak a necessity not onely of being quaâ—ified for this Office but of having the Office committed to them Are not Ministers câ—lled the Angels of the Churches Revelations Chap. 1. verse 20. the overseers of the Church Acts Chap. 20. ver 28. the rulers of the Church Hebrews Chap. 13. ver 7. Yea and such rulers they are in and so over the Church as are to be counted worthy of double honour 1 Timothy Chap. 5. ver 17. and 1 Thes Chap. 5. vers 12.13 Are they not the Stewards of Christ 1 Corinht 4.1 The Heralds of Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Romans 10. vers 14. Yea and the â—mbâ—ssadours of Christ 2 Cor. 5. ver 20. Are they not termed watchmen Heb. 13.17 builders 1 Cor. 3.10 and souldiers 2 Tim. 2.3 c. Now what lesse do any of these apart or can all these together intimate than that Ministers should be furnished with authority as well as fitted with ability and must bee able to shew a commission as well as speak of qualifications In a word that they must have a deligation from our Saviour to this employment as wel as a disposition in their spirits to this employment Sect. 4. Fourthly how is this Office of being Teachers in the Church to bee committed unto such as are duly qualified You will easily observe that we are not enquiring about committing the Office to extraordinary teachers such as are by immediate deligation from Christ immediate I mean not only ratione virtutis sed suppositi in regard of power but of person This case falls not within our compasse when such immediate furnitures as were herewith given for the Ministry and therefore such immediate vestitures with the Ministery have no place But our enquiry is about the committing of this office to Ordinary teachers by mediate deligation from Christ i. e. by his Officers who in his name and according to his Ordinance are to separate them to this service of his in his Church * Hujus Ministerij jus per homines Communicare solâ—t atque iâ—â ratione vocatio ordinarii Ministri est mediata Hoc autem sic est intellgendum ut authoritas administrandi res divinas à Deo immediatè communicetur ministris omnibus legitimis designatio personarum in quas confertur fiat per Ecclesiam Ames Medul Theol l. 1. c. 35. n. 5. 6. And thus briefly this Office is to bee committed to men duly qualified 1 by the Presbytery 2 after proof 3 with prayer and fasting 4. and with putting on of their hands Sect. 1. By the Prebytery i. e. by
could not but make one particular especially if the affirmaâ—ive included in that precept to Timothy 1 Chap. 5.22 bee put with it into the same scale 2. By the light of the Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rendered here by ordâ—in and in Acts 6.3 by appoint which the Apostles practice had already interpreted to import the laying on of hands Acts 6.6 as one particular requisite to that publick and solemn work I know it is pretended that the Holy Ghost was miraculously given by imposition of hands in Ordination and thence it is pleaded that the miracle now ceasing so doth the mystery too But how is the former proved and justified And if yet how the latter is therefrom pleaded or inferred I see not unless we shall upon the same ground now relinquish prayer because it 's no more effectuall to heal the sick or raiâ—e the dead as it was formerly Act. 9.37 40 41. Jam. 5.14 15. We hear the Apostles requiring them to look out seven men full of the Holy Ghost that they may lay hands upon them Acts 6.3 cum 6. but never hear them relating so much as one that had received the Holy Ghost because they had layd their hands upon him in his Ordination I say in his Ordination for it is granted that the Holy Ghost was given by the laying on of hands in the other cases Act. 8.17.18 and 19.6 Why must Timothy and Titus think we receive satisfaction touching mens gifts before Ordination 1 Tim. 3. and Tit. 1. And why must they till then retard and stave off their Ordination 1 Tim. 5.22 If laying on of hands would have conferred that spirit upon men from whom all gifts come 1 Cor. 12.8 ad 12. True it is we read of Timothie's gift by the laying on of Paul's hands and of the Presbytery 2 Tim. 1.6 1 Tim. 4.14 But not of the Holy Ghosts being given him hereby It is rather the gift of the Ministry that is intended in these Scriptures than gifts for the Ministry and perhaps may bee therefore mentioned in both places not plurally but singularly the gift That offices are called gifts and particularly the Ministry compare Ep. 4 8 11. between which the 9 and 10 verles fall as within a Parenthesis the 11 vers giving us thâ—â—e explication in particulars of what had been expressed at the 8 ver ingeneral * Isti duo versus sc 9.10 per pareathâ—sin lâ—guntur nam mox veâ—su 11. râ—dit ad supeâ—iora hoc est ad explicanda dona aliquoâ— de qu bâ—s dixerat in genere dedit dona hominibus Zanch. ad Ephes 4.10 And so is an appofite answer to every one that asks this question what are those gifts when Christ ascended up on high which he received for (t) Psal 68.18 and give unto men He gave som Apostles and som Prophets and som Evanglists and som Pastors and Teachers Sect. 5 Fiâ—thly one thing is yet behind Why must those that are authoritatively from Christ to teach others in the Church have the Office committed to them as well as be qualified for that office Why It is for the honour of Christ for the happinesse of the Church and for the hope and heartning of such teachers themselves Sect. 1. It is for the honour of Christ Which is the great design that grace hath to carry on by all the various methods and ministrations of it by all Officers and by all Ordinances Had he thrown the reyns of his Church Kingdom and cause loose to the liberty or rather lusts of men take hee that will teach he that will who could have then read such his accurate prudence such his absolute power and such his affluence of perfections as are now made legible in treating his own affairs by those only that are of his own appointment and can shew his royall patent Alas what conveniency would this at all bear to his transcendant dignity and most taking glory whereof the greatest royalties are but poor resemblances Wil men call him the wonderfull Counsellor the Prince of peace u) Is 9.6.7 the King of kings and Lord of Lords *) Rev. 19.16 that either hath never a Secretary Herald Embassadour or so much as a Steward by office by whom the grand importances of his Court and Crown may be transacted on the one hand or is so little tender of these great trusts and his own transactions on the other that whosoever hath but will and skill forehead and fitness enough may without further leave from him or his lay hold upon these offices and leap into the highest honour Need I remind you that such are the offices such is the honour to be a Minister of Jesus Is it spiritually Well the more spirituall the office and honour is the more need in a just sense of his putting them into a security from the fleshly presumptions and forward pretensions of vain men who are but too desirous of being teachers of others even before they understand what they say or whereof they affirm themselves 1 Tim. 1.7 or at least of heaping unto themselves teachers having itching ears 2 Tim. 4.3 It is true I acknowledge that pious Ministers are so far from being accounted ordinarily to the honour of Christ that wee are made rather with Paul the filth of the world and the off-scouring of all things 1 Cor. 4.13 But what saith Paul God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4.6 and if our brethren be enquired of saith he they are the glory of Christ 2 Cor. 8. ver 23. And no marvail for besides the expressions to his glory by them such are the ampressions of his glory upon them not onely in their Ministeriall gifts and graces which bespeak them qualified for this Office by Christ but in the Ministeriall authority and administrations which bespeak them Commissioned to this Office from Christ And indeed what other are his Ministers Pastors and Teachers among us but the speaking gifts and standing pledges of Christ's glorious ascension for us and of his gracious and great affections to us Ephes 4.8 11. compared Sect. 2. It is for the happiness of the Church likewise which is next to his Fathers honour in the aym and heart of Christ It is for her enlargement edification and establishment as the Apostle at large instanceth and illustrateth in the same Ephes 4.12 13 14 15. verses For the perfecting of the Saints c. Throw open but this door once that gifts and a desire to exercise them make a Minister and you may too late perceive well-nigh all that is dear to the Church going out and whatsoever is dividing and destructive coming in by the same door both speedily and irremediably What Corah and his complices will not tell Aaron and Moses too Ye take too much upon you seeing all the Congregation are holy every one
of them and the Lord is among them wherefore then lift you up your selves above the Congregation of the Lord Numb 163 Nor could I ever yet hear of any thing more eminent among them than is error and confusion who have taken qualifications to give Commission Alas this must needs break the unity and blast the purity of the Churches quickly N 1. It must needs break the unity of the Chuâ—ches a blessing how desirable in it self and how dear to our Saviour if nothing but fitness and forwardness bee requisite to make an Officer or Minister Wo to the Common-wealth of this Israel If every one that had ability had therefore authority too If every one that probably is or presumeth himself to be fit for such or such an Office were thereby put into it and must be so obeyed or if every one who is qualified for must bee therefore counted a Judge Justice yea or but a Constable Hath God provided against such intrusions upon civill Offices and will he permit it in sacred Taken such care in order to the accord and quiet of the Common wealth and hath he thrown it by with respect to his Church which is so much dearer to him than are all the Societies in the world beside Who would be ruled if but to presume our selvs qualified would make us rulers either in Church or State Surely this would make the militant Church like that military body where qualifications to command were a commission for a Company The Church should have all Officers and no Souldiers quickly and if it did not run with such an army into blood and confusion yet would soon and surely run with it into bitternesse and contentions ' He that can secure me the peace and unity of that Kingdome where every one that is fit may be thereby supreme or of that County wheâ—â— every one that is fit may be thereby Sheriffe or but of that Corporation where every one that is fit may be thereby Major shall be with me a none-such among men and may perswade if any that the beauty and harmony of the Churches of Jesus may be preserved too wherein every one that judgeth himself fit is thereby made a Minister and Officer Let me add â—his if Ministers are not Officers * the Church hath none For who else can shew me so clear evidences And if men may bee bold with this Office in the Church to invest themselves with it and to execute at pleasure why they should be backward to or baulk any other Office I know not For this of all others is most sacred and most circumscribed And if all Offices lye in common where shall we look for the Churches Concord Ah Sirs have wee read the 12 to the Romans from the the 3 to the 9 or the 1 Cor. 12 And can we think our blessed head and Master in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdome and kindnesse so remisse about conferring Offices and so regardlesse of the Churches concord as this amounts to What! are there so many unities and all with respect had to the Church One body and one spirit even as they are called in one hope of their calling one Lord one faith one baptism one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in them all Eph. 4.5 6. Lo therefore Christ hath given Pastours and Teachers names of Office verse 8 11. that they may keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace verse 3. and that till we all come in the unity of the faith c. ver 13. N. 2. This will blast the purity of the Churches too and let in what not that is destructive to verity and the power of Godlinesse If our stiâ—ring times have not given sufficient testimonie to this sad truth I know not what times ever did or shall What through uncalled Preachers and uncatechised hearers Oh! the havock and convulsions that are made in the Churches of Jesus And indâ—ed who can expect but that those who will vainly or violently enter upon the Ministery without Ordination shall likewise venturously employ themselves in it without observation Witnesse those false teachers whereof Peter tells vs. 2 Peter Chapter 2. and Jude from the fourth to the twentieth verse Who may or how can wee expect other than unsetlednesse in the love of the Gospell and unsoundnesse in the life of godlinesse from that man or men who shake off the order of the Gospell Surely they that heap to themselvs teachers walk but after their own lusts therein and have it ching ears turned from the truth and unto fables 2 Tim. 4.3 4. And therefore whether they that make themselvs teachers are like to walk in the law of God and to lead you in the ways of that truth which is according to godlinesse judg ye What lesse can be said than this That measuring themselvs by themselves and comparing themselvs among themselvs they are not wise and if the premisses be considered how wicked Sect. 3. It 's for the beartning and comfort of such teachers that beside qualifications they shall have the Office committed to them their comfortable incouragement much conducing to the credit and interesse of that King Jesus whose Embassadours they are Sirs the duties difficulties and discouragements of Ministers how various are they how involved And alas what sorry things are our best qualifications to support us without the strong aid of that grace which sets before us the benefit of our Commission to stay and cheer our hearts Who of us my brethren but must confess with Paul that wee are not sufficient of our selvs so much as to think any thing as of our selvs Where then is our sufficiencie and what is our support Our sufficiency is of God who also hath made us able Ministers of the New Testament 2 Cor 3.5 6. That God who hath made us Ministors is the spring head of our sufficiencies in the discharge and exercise of our Ministry and that God hath made us Ministers is the stay and basis of our hopes in all the difficult emergencies of our Ministry * See 2 Tim. 1.11 12. That our God hath sent us is the stablishing consideration against all despondencies and discouragements that he will supply strengthen secure and work all our works in us and for us And Lo by this it is that God would have us to chide down our fears and to keep up our faith I sanctified thee saith he to Jeremie and I ordained thee a Prophet unto the Nations Doth Jeremie say Aâ— Lord God! I am a child behold I cannot speak Ay but hear what the Lord saith unto Jeremy say not 〈◊〉 am a child for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak Be not affraid of their faces for I am with thee to deliver thee saith the Lord Behold I have made thee a defenced City c. Jer. 1.5 6 7 8 18 19. An beloved God doth
hotter place in hell than others these shall have and howl in it If you will not receive it from mee read I pray Rom. 2.17 to the end Mat. 7 22.23 Psalm 50.15 Hos 4.6 Rev. 19.20 21. O Christians have you no tears left for these men no bowels of pity and compassion especially when the Church of Christ iâ— so concerned in them Alas without eminent repentance there remains nothing but wo wo wo for them For wrath and astonishment for horrour and amazement for blacknesse and chains under darkness are such reserved for ever and ever Such Angels whosoever scape shall be sure to be tormented among the damned Devills Sect. 2. Let us mourn for uncommissioned Ministers Ministers do I mean such nay rather they are busie-bodies in other mens matters Ministers by intrusion they are and equivocally but not by investiture not properly if in title yet not in truth Their judgement proceeds of themselves and usually are in judgement and for destruction to the sheep not for the preservation but for the perdition of the souls that are led by and listen to them witnesse those Jeremiah 14.14 15 16. and Chap. 27.25 2 Pet. 2.1 c. So usuall hath it been for self-Ministers to be soul murderers Nor do the Prophets onely declaim such for false Prophets who run and God ne're sent them with that message but such likewise who run and God never sent the men or if you will such who prophesied God never sent them * Jer. 23.21 and 14.14.15 aswel as those who prophesied what God never spoke to them It is true that ordinarily both these met in one and the same persons And is it not as true as familiar and frequent in our times It never was I am apt to think more usuall in Israel than now it is in England that such who prophesie without designation or warrant from God prophesie the deceit of their own hearts instead of the Word of God * Ezek. 13.1 2 3 17. Jer. 14.1 23.16 26. And are not such think we for a lamentation yea and let them be for a lamentation Oh friends these these are they that have been so much complained of by God Jeremiah 23.21 32. so much cautioned to the godly Jer. 29. ver 8 9. So much the curse of that Prince who hath given them countenance 1 Kings 22. verse 1. ad 37. and have so miserably cheated and perniciously corrupted the people that have reposed confidence or taken complacenâ—ie in them Ezekiel 13. verse 4. ad 17. Oh Christians as there were false Propheâ—s also among the people hath not Christ foretold * Mat. 7.15 24.23 24 25 26. 2 Pet. 2.1 c. 1 Joh. 4.1 that there shall bee false teachers among you and have not our eyes seen them men of the same character and of the same cariage which he foretold and have not the same sad consequences been found among us who have read their description delusions and dreadfull issues in the 2 Pet. 2. and in the Epistle of Jude Sirs that our souls could weep in secret for them and for the Church Cause and Covenant of our God that suffer through and by them And as for you the Prophets and Ministers of God let me say to every one of you from the Lord what was sometime said unto Ezekiel Son of man prophesie against the Prophets of Israel Saith he of England say I to you that prophesie say unto them that prophesie out of their own hearts Hear ye the word of the Lord Thus saith the Lord God Wo unto the foolish Prophets that follow their own spirit and have seen nothing c. Ezek. 13.1 2 c. Use 2. Of holy caution Is it so that such who are to teach authoritatively in the Church must be both qualified for the Office and have the Office committed to them I have this to beseech and beg to command and charge you from and by the Lord. Take heed Oh! take heed of adventuring upon publick authoritative teaching in his Church till you have both of these parts and power qualifications and commission given you of Jesus Christ Sect. 1. Do not adventure upon this Office without qualfications This is such an Office that what head is so able What heart is so accurate and honest who is equall to it If the Apostle cryeth out 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who is equall or sufficient 2 Cor. 2.16 What must we do who are not more short of his Apostleship than we are of his abilities Surely no life can be too good no learning can be too great for the Ministry nay or good or great enough A Pastor among his people like Saul among his subjects should be higher at least by head and shouldiers both for fidelity and for ability for soundnesse of apprehensions for simplicity of affections and for sincerity and unbiastnesse in all his actions Like Ezra one that hath prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and to do it and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments Ezra 7.10 Who-ever may be blame-worthy a bishop must be blamelesse as the Steward of God 1 Tim 3.2 as the Apostle inculcateth twice together Tit. 1.6 7. Nor is it enough that he be good really but he must have a good report and this not only of them that are within but of them likewise which are without 1 Tim. 3.7 But because 't is not life so much as learning which is now adays made the matter of question if not of contumely and contention Let mee have the liberty to leave my sense in this likewise And I beseech you let not pride let not prejudice let not precipitancy or what-ever else shut up your ears or stop your hearts against it Oh! never think that you are apt to be teachers of others unlesse you are able to teach others also Know that such a one had need be full of goodnesse and filled with all knowledg who is fit especially of Office to admonish others Rom. 15.14 Full of judgment and of might Mic. 3.8 He had need with Ezra be a ready scribe in the Law of God Ezra 7.6 a scribe instructed to the Kingdom of God Maâ— 13.52 one of pickt and choice abilities and experience worth and wisdome a messenger and interpreter one among a thousand Job 33.23 an able Ministeâ— of the New Testament 2 Cor 3.6 ' Well may such be reckoned by ouâ— Apostle among the Impostors of the lasâ— times who understand not a 2 Pet. 2. 1. cum 12. but arâ— willingly ignorant b 2 Pet. 3.8 of which sort are they that creep into houses and lead captive silly women laden with sins led away of divers lusts ever learning and never able to come to the knowledg of the truth 2 Tim. 3.6.7 But never were or shall they be reputed among the Pastors of the last times for these are to hold fast the faithful word as they have been taught and are able by sound doctrine both
sons of the Prophets may be called thereunto occasionally will it therefore be a covert for him who is exercised therein ordinarily Can you so forget the prohibitions precepts precedents and pregnant characters titles of preachers mentioned formerly * Is it not sinful for an unofficed person to baptize Consult else the disputes between Papists and Protestants about midwives baptisme And can that be sinfull for you yet preaching sinlesse When both these are prescribed in the same commission and preaching hath the precedence not onely in the order of words there Mat. 28.19 but in regard oâ— worth and eminency else-where as the more notable end and nobler errand why we were sent forth not to baptize as our Apostle saith but to preach the Gospel 1 Cor. 1.17 i.e. not so much to that as to this But more particularly see I beseech you whether this sin tends to these three things at least 1. To the vacating of this Gospel-Officer as to this act at least of preaching For if this bee a common operation what needs a peculiar officer for it If it may bee nay must bee for so far some carry it the work of every other man to labour for abilities to preach and to lay them out in preaching what need we as to this purpose of an office-Minister Is there a speciall officer for the common work of every particular member in the body civil military or naturall If not Sect. 1 there why here I pray you Well must we have none to teach authoritatively and by office in the Churches you cannot I suppose shut out the light of so many Scriptures as you have seen and heard to speak the contrary Must we how then beloved can authoritative teaching be every ones imployment We have no speciall organ in the body for feeling that is the common work of every member but we have for fight for smell taste and hearing ' What it is with others I know not but a thing of sad remark and resentment it is with me that so many of those who at first have contended for no more than that unofficed men may preach have at length cast off the office of preachers and therewith cast out all the Ordinances and Churches of our dearest Jesus 2. To the violating of Gospel-order For what is more openly delivered here than that every one do his own business studying to bee quiet 1 Thes 4.11 That as the Lord hath called every one so hee walk and abide in the same calling wherein he was called 1 Cor. 7.17 20. That no one think more highly of himself than he ought to think but soberly according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith Rom. 12.3 And that every member keep to his own place in the body God having set the members in the body every one of them as it hath pleased him 1 Cor. 12 18 c. 3. To usurpation upon the Gospel-Churches For who reads not that they have rule over you and must bee so remembred who have spoken to you the Word of the Lord Heb. 13.7 That such as are to admonish you from the Lord have authority and are over you in the Lord 1 Thes 5.12 and must be esteemed very highly in love by you for their work sake ver 13. If gifted brethren are to labour in the Word and doctrine to preach or teach authoritatively in the Churches the Churches must then perform them reverence 1 Tim. 5.17 yea pay them maintenance for what hath God more cleerly ordained than that they who preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.14 and that he that is taught in the Word communicate to him that teacheth in all good things Gal. 6 6. ' But I forbear any longer to rub upon this soar trusting thorow grace that the Libertinism produced by this liberty of prophesying as it is misnamed will at length awaken all the people of God and preachers of the Gospell to a just averiaâ—ion from abhorrence of it And I no way doubt but such Prophâ—ts at length as run to fro preaching the dreams delusions of their own hearts shall be ashamed every one of his vision which he hath propesied neither shal they wear any longâ—r a rough garment to deceive * i.e. counterfeit the true Prophets who commonly wore such garments 2 King 1.8 Isai 20.2 Mat. 3.4 se Hutchenson upon the place But he shall say I am no Prophet I am an husband man for man taught me to keep cattell from my youth Zech. 13.4 5 As for you brethren and beloved who take your selvs to be apt and able inwardly called and competently qualified to tâ—ach others in the Church why should not this Office be committed to you that you may with peace to you with profit to others and without provocation to God authoritatively teach others Yea and let me intreat and ingage you by our Lord Jesus as ever you would have his presence with you his protection and gracious providence over you his power aiding and his grace prospering you do not exercise the Ministry ordinarily without or before entrance thereinto by Ordination Oh! be not so averse to Christs honour the Churches happinesse your own comfort I but if you are indeed qualified for the Ministry see that you have the Ministry committed to you Sirs wâ—y should your proving for the Ministery seem so dreadfull or putting into the Ministery seem no more defirable to you who professe that this one act of the Ministry is so delicious and dear unto you If your aims are right and abilities reall why there should be such an aversation from tryal I know not Sure I am you should be first proved and then and not till then use the Office of a Bishop being found blamelesse * 1 Tim. 3.10 cum ver 1 c. If you are not averse from nor affraid of triall acquit your selvs and acquaint us where your exceptionâ—lye and put not such a stumbling block in your brethrens way Why there should be so much loathnesse or aversnesse to Ordination if there be so much love of and ability for the office as is pretended I must profess I see not Object Do you tell mee the Apostle saith ye may all prophesie one by one 1 Cor. 14.31 Answ True all ye that are Prophets of whom he is now speaking 29 32 verses He saith not all ye people ' One whole sex are prohibited 34 35 verses and for the other what less than this speaks he Are all Prophets 1 Cor. 12.29 i. e. all are not Where doth the Scripture tell you of unofficed Prophets men that never were nor never will be put into office yet ordinarily did and might perform this act of office See you not how distinct the mention is of the Prophet and righteous man Mat. 10.42 and how frequently the Prophet is delivered in upon the Catalogue of Church-Officers even in this same Epistle 1 Cor. 12.28 Eph. 4.11 c. Object