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

Secondly, an eye and regard unto filthy lucre or profit in the World, is proposed as opposite unto the readiness of mind which is required in them that are called to this work. An aim in this employment for men by it to advantage themselves in the outward things of this world, without which, it is evident that the whole work and Office would lye neglected by the most of them who now would be accounted partakers of it, is openly here condemned by the Apostle.

Fourthly, Election by the suffrage and consent of the Church is required unto the calling of a Pastor or Teacher, so that without it formally, or virtually given or obtained, the call however otherwise carried on or solemnized, is irregular and defective. There are but two places in the New Testament where ⟨p. 132⟩there is mention of the manner whereby any are called in an ordinary way unto any ministry in the Church; and in both of them there is mention of their election by the community of the Church; and in both of them the Apostles themselves presided with a fullness of Church power, and yet would not deprive the Churches of that which was their liberty and privilege. The first of these is Acts the 6. where all the Apostles together, to give a rule unto the future proceeding of all Churches in the constitution of Officers amongst them, do appoint the multitude of the Disciples or community of the Church, to look out from among themselves, or to choose the persons that were to be set apart thereon unto their office, which they did accordingly, Verses 2, 3, and 5. Then the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them, and said, it is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve Tables; wherefore Brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy-Ghost, and wisdom; and the saying pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, ⟨p. 133⟩&c. This was done when only Deacons were to be ordained, in whom the interest and concernment of the Church is not to be compared with that which it hath in its Pastors, Teachers, and Elders. The same is mentioned again,