A53671:195
A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of…
A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of the New Testament, by way of question and answer with an explication and confirmation of those answers.
London : s.n., 1667
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.
Explication.
There are two parts of this Question and Answer, to be spoken unto severally. The First is concerning a person to be called or employed in any Church, in a part only of the office or work of the Ministry. As suppose a Man should be called or chosen by the Church to administer the Sacraments, but not to attend to the work of Preaching; or unto the rule or guidance of the Church; or in like manner unto any other part or parcel of the work of the Ministry, with an exemption of other duties from his charge or care. If this be done by consent, and agreement, for any time or season, it is unwarrantable and disorderly; (what may be done occasionally upon an emergency, or in case of weakness or disability befalling any Elder as to the discharge of any part of his duty, is not here enquired after.) For,
There are two parts of this Question and Answer, to be spoken unto severally. The First is concerning a person to be called or employed in any Church, in a part only of the office or work of the Ministry. As suppose a Man should be called or chosen by the Church to administer the Sacraments, but not to attend to the work of Preaching; or unto the rule or guidance of the Church; or in like manner unto any other part or parcell of the work of the Ministry, with an exemption of other duties from his charge or care. If this be done by consent, and agreement, for any time or season, it is unwarrantable and disorderly; (what may be done occasionally upon an emergency, or in case of weakness or disability befalling any Elder as to the discharge of any part of his duty, is not here enquired after.) For,
First, If the Person so called or employed have received gifts fitting him for the whole work of the Ministry, the exercise of them is not to be restrained by any consent or agreement; Seeing they are given for the edification of the Church to be traded withal, 1 Cor. 127. The manifestation of the spirit, is given to every man to profit withal; and this he which hath received such gifts, is bound to attend unto, and pursue.