A26865:111
An apology for the nonconformists ministry containing I. the reasons of their preaching, II.…
An apology for the nonconformists ministry containing I. the reasons of their preaching, II. an answer to the accusations urged as reasons for the silencing of about 2000 by Bishop Morley ..., III. reasons proving it the duty and interest of the bishops and conformists to endeavour earnestly their restoration : with a postscript upon oral debates with Mr. H. Dodwell, against his reasons for their silence ... : written in 1668 and 1669, for the most of it, and now published as an addition to the defence against Dr. Stillingfleet, and as an account to the silencers of the reasons of our practice / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for T. Parkhurst and D. Newman, 1681
AN APOLOGY FOR THE SILENCED MINISTERS, Especially for their not cea… › Part 3
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
It is true we be not called as Apostles were; but several modes of Vocation, make not several Originals of power. We are under the same Master, and have our Office from Christ, and hold it under him as well as they, and have his command as well as his gifts to exercise it to the end. Therefore if Apostles must obey him by constancy, so must we.
As Apostles are separated to the Gospel of God, so are we by our consecration, Rom. 1. 1. and therefore are commanded to give up our selves wholly to this work, and to continue in Doctrine, that we may save our selves and them that hear us, 1 Tim. 4. 15, 16.
It is not only Apostles (who yet call themselves fellow Presbyters, 1 Pet. 5. 1.) that are Stewards of the mysteries of God, and must be so accounted of, and therefore must be faithful to the trust that Christ their Master placeth in them, 1 Cor. 4. 1, 2. For ordinary Pastors are so called, Tit. 1. 7. And surely it is not only Apostles that are meant, Mat. 24. 45, 46, 48. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made Ruler over his household to give them meat in due season. Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, my Lord delayeth his coming, and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken, &c. Here observe, 1. That those have a Charge and Law immediately from Christs mouth, who are his Ministers or Stewards to feed his flock, and not Apostles only. 2. That they are the Rulers of his house, and Judges of the season of feeding his household. 3. That they must be found so doing at the coming of Christ, (who liveth till then.) 4. That this is