A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of…

Secondly, Their unblameableness and holiness of conversation is previously required in them that are to be set apart unto the Ministry. This the Apostle expressly declares, and lays down many particular instances whereby it is to be tried, Tit. 1.7, 8, 9. For a Bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God, not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to Wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre, but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers, 1 Tim. 3▪ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. A Bishop must be blameless, the husband of one Wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, nor covetous, one that ruleth well his own house, having his Children in subjection with all gravity; for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God? not a Novice, lest ⟨p. 129⟩being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the Devil; moreover he must have a good report of them which are without, least he fall into reproach, and the snare of the Devil. Not that the particulars here mentioned by the Apostle are only to be considered in the conversation of the person to be called to the Ministry, but that in an universal holy conversation these things he requires that he should be eminent in amongst Believers, as those which have an especial respect to his work and office. And a failure in any of them, is a just cause or reason to debar any person from obtaining a part and lot in this matter. For whereas the especial end of the Ministry, is to promote and farther faith and holiness in the Church, by the edification of it, how unreasonable a thing would it be, if men should be admitted unto the work of it, who in their own Persons were strangers both unto faith and holiness. And herein are the Elders of the Churches seriously to exercise themselves unto God, that they may be an example unto the flock, in an universal ⟨p. 130⟩labouring after conformity in their lives unto the great Bishop and Pastor of the Church, our Lord Jesus Christ.