A30241:2402
CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…
CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St. John, or, Christs prayer before his passion explicated, and both practically and polemically improved by Anthony Burgess ...
London: printed by Abraham Miller for Thomas Underhill, 1656
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
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?
Secondly, The Apostle in his Epistles to Timothy and Titus, doth lay down severall 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 shew, 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?
Thirdly, If it were not necessary there should be an authoritative Ordination of men to that Office, why should the Apostle with such diligence leave Titus at Crete to ordain such, if so be their gifts and abilities had been enough? It was an absurd thing to leave him there to appoint them for that Office, Tit. 1.5. The place is considerable, because by that you see plainly, Elders were not to intrude themselves, but were to be set apart by Titus.
Fourthly, Yea if there were not such a duty upon Church-officers in confirming of others, why should the Apostle likewise to Timothy use that severe and dreadful adjuration? 1 Tim, 5.21. where Timothy is charged before God, in reference to this matter of laying on of hands, as well as other things, and Christ and the holy Angels, that he do nothing with partiality, nor be too hasty herein, lest we partake of other mens sins: How could this be, but that men are not of themselves to intrude thereunto, otherwise their sins would be upon their own heads, who go without a Call?