CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

First, Here is constant example and pattern of the Church in the Apostles times. We cannot read of any that undertook this Office, but they were solemnly set apart to it, Acts 14.23. and in other places. Now if in the primitive times, when yet Christians were so eminently gifted, there was a solemn setting of them apart, How much more in after ages? Neither can any one example be brought to the contrary, I mean of taking an Office in the Church without a Call: Now is it not far better to follow the presidents of Scripture, then to go after our own thoughts? especially when Christ himself, though so admirably gifted, yet would not undertake this Office without a Call, as the Apostle doth diligently consider it, Heb 5.7.

First, Here is constant example and patern of the Church in the Apostles times. We cannot reade of any that undertook this Office, but they were solemnly set apart to it, Acts 14.23. and in other places. Now if in the primitive times, when yet Christians were so eminently gifted, there was a solemn setting of them apart, How much more in after ages? Neither can any one example be brought to the contrary, I mean of taking an Office in the Church without a Call: Now is it not farre better to follow the presidents of Scripture, then to go after our own thoughts? especially when Christ himself, though so admirably gifted, yet would not undertake this Office without a Call, as the Apostle doth diligently consider it, Heb 5.7.

Secondly, The Apostle in his Epistles to Timothy and Titus, doth lay down several Qualifications, which ought to be in every Minister: Now what necessity is there of this, if so be those who are to ordain them, were not to attend thereunto? The very mentioning of such properties, is for this end, to show, by what rule they should go by in their Ordination, who would not think himself qualified, who would not say he had gifts, if they were not to be examined and judged in that matter?