A26924:670
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.
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. ⟨p. 156⟩Do you know how God maketh Marriages? 1. He instituteth the State, and by his Law maketh the Husband the Ruler of the Wife. 2. He causeth their natural Capacity and Inclination. 3. His Providence acquainteth them with each other. And 4. He moveth them to Consent. And 5. He maketh it the Ministers Duty to do his part; so that the Husbands power is of God. Do you know who giveth the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London their Power? 1. The King by Charter determineth what, Power, they shall have, and how they shall be qualified, and how chosen, and how sworn and invested. 2. The Citizens accordingly choose them. 3. And the Recorder Sweareth them. Who is it now that giveth them the Power? The King's Charter, tho' not till they be duly qualified and chosen. The Recorder cannot depose them again; No, nor the Citizens (who may do more) unless it be in the Charter.
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, chuse 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.