A41335:90
Weighty questions discussed I. Whether imposition of hands in separating a person to the…
Weighty questions discussed I. Whether imposition of hands in separating a person to the work of the ministry be necessary?, II. Whether it be essential to the right constitution of a particular church, that the teaching elders and the members meet always in one place? : whereunto is added a prediction of Mr. Daniel Rogers, minister in Essex, long before the beheading King Charles I and Arch-Bishop Laud, foretelling that they should not dye a natural death / by Giles Firmin ...Weighty questions discussed I. Whether imposition of hands in separating a person to the work of the ministry be necessry?, II. Whether it be essential to the right constitution of a particular church, that the teaching elders and the members meet alwayes in one place? : whereunto is added a prediction of Mr. Daniel Rogers, minister in Essex, long before the beheading King Charles I and Arch-Bishop Laud, foretelling that they should not dye a natural death / by Giles Firmin ...
London : Printed for the author, 1692
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.
In the Common Wealth, the People are before the Magistrate: In the Church, the Ministry is before the People. Thus it began with the Apostles, they were first, and after them by a continual Succession of the Ministry the Church is continued. The Ministry is the Instrument in God's Hand, which he useth commonly or chiefly, for the bringing in, and building up of his Church, 2 Cor. 6.1. Ephes. 4.11, 12. The principal Cause and the Instrument work together, to the producing of the Effect; that then the effect of a Power, should be the first Subject of that Power of which 'tis an Effect, is new Logic to me.
In the Common Wealth, the People are before the Magistrate: In the Church, the Ministry is before the People. Thus it began with the Apostles, they were first, and after them by a continual Succession of the Ministry the Church is continued. The Ministry is the Instrument in God's Hand, which he useth commonly or chiefly, for the bringing in, and building up of his Church, 2 Cor. 6.1. Ephes. 4.11, 12. The principal Cause and the Instrument work together, to the producing of the Effect; that then the effect of a Power, should be the first Subject of that Power of which 'tis an Effect, is new Logick to me.
Dr. Owen saith, The Church is before Ordinary Ministers.
Answ. First, But is it before the Ministry? Else 'tis nothing.