A26924:669
The English nonconformity as under King Charles II and King James II truly stated…
The English nonconformity as under King Charles II and King James II truly stated and argued by Richard Baxter ; who earnestly beseecheth rulers and clergy not to divide and destroy the land and cast their own souls on the dreadful guilt and punishment of national perjury ...
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1689
Chapter 43: Point XL. Of forsaking our Ministry, and ceasing to Preach the Gospel, and Banishment F…
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.
M. 1. The Office lieth in an Obligation to great labour and great patience as well as in a gift of power. It is a power to work in a suffering state. And as the Bishop can oblige no man to this against his will, so neither can he oblige any man farther than Christ and his own consent oblige him. Therefore it followeth that neither can he give the power farther than Christ giveth it; and the Ordainers and People, and Magistrates have each their part under Christ, in the conveyance.
M. 1. The Office lyeth in an Obligation to great labour and great patience as well as in a gift of power. It is a power to work in a suffering state. And as the Bishop can oblige no man to this against his will, so neither can he oblige any man farther than Christ and his own consent oblige him. Therefore it followeth that neither can he give the power farther than Christ giveth it; and the Ordainers and People, and Magistrates have each their part under Christ, in the conveyance.
L. How doth Christ give Ministers their Office?
M. 1. He maketh a Law that there shall be a Ministry, and specifieth the Office by describing their work, and the necessary qualification of the Persons: So that it is not left to Bishops nor any to alter the Office, nor to admit any uncapable Persons into it. 2. Next Christ blesseth Mens Preparatory Studies and endeavours, and by his gifts and grace doth give them all Ministerial Abilities. 3. He maketh them desirous and willing of the Office and Work in Love to the blessed Effects, and so maketh them Consenters. 4. His Providence bringeth them where their Labours are really needful. 5. He moveth the minds of the Flock or Electors to desire, choose or accept them. 6. He commandeth the Ordainers to Approve and Ordain those that are thus qualified as aforesaid. 7. He commandeth Magistrates to protect and encourage them. 8. He commandeth the Neighbour Church-Pastors to own them in their Neighbourly Communion. Thus you may see how Ministers are made by Christ, tho' not without mans Service.