The true and only way of concord of all the Christian churches the desirableness…

§. 40. II. It is greatly needful to the well-being of the Ministry and the success, that Doctrine be kept sound: And therefore, 1. That the Christian simplicity be retained, and many subtle and curious decisions be not made necessary: A few great, necessary certain truths, are easilier preserved than multitudes of uncertain controverted niceties.

§. 40. II. It is greatly needful to the well-being of the Ministry and the success, that Doctrine be kept sound: And therefore, 1. That the Christian simplicity be retained, and many subtile and curious decisions be not made necessary: A few great, necessary certain truths, are easilier preserved than multitudes of uncertain controverted niceties.

2. It is needful that such as are ordained Ministers, be tried men, of sound understanding in that which they must teach and do, and therefore that both the ordainers and the hearers try them. This account of their understanding is better than the imposing of humane forms upon them for subscription: Not but that Teachers should know more than the flock, that is, than the essentials; nor that I presume to condemn all the Churches that impose their Confessions to be subscribed in their own and not in Scripture-words, while they keep only to necessary certain things: But I shall afterward prove, that this way, though tolerable, is not best, but unnecessary and dangerous, 1. the Scripture affording us apt words enow to form our Confessions in, which are past Controversy; 2. and there being ⟨p. 223⟩no probability of bounding mens Impositions of this kind, when once they set upon this way; 3. and most Confessions of that nature now extant having some needless words which other Churches or good Christians do dissent from: 4. And the ancient Creeds understood (which the ordainers must try) and the old Catechistical Verities being sufficient to this use. 5. And there being means of restraining men from preaching and vending heresies which are more safe and congruous.

2. It is needful that such as are ordained Ministers, be tryed men, of sound understanding in that which they must teach and do, and therefore that both the ordainers and the hearers try them. This account of their understanding is better than the imposing of humane forms upon them for subscription: Not but that Teachers should know more than the flock, that is, than the essentials; nor that I presume to condemn all the Churches that impose their Confessions to be subscribed in their own and not in Scripture-words, while they keep only to necessary certain things: But I shall afterward prove, that this way, though tolerable, is not best, but unnecessary and dangerous, 1. the Scripture affording us apt words enow to form our Confessions in, which are past Controversie; 2. and there being