The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

11. YET there are three things that are to be annexed unto this Assertion by way of Limitation: As, (1.) Many things performed by virtue of Office in a way of Authority, may be performed by others not called to Office, in a way of Charity. Such are the moral Duties of Exhorting, Admonishing, Comforting, Instructing and Praying with, and for one another. (2.) Spiritual Gifts may be exercised unto the Edification of others, without Office-Power, where order and opportunity do require it. But the constant exercise of Spiritual Gifts in Preaching, with a refusal of undertaking a Ministerial Office, or without design so to do upon a lawful Call, cannot be approved. (3.) The Rules proposed concern only ordinary cases, and the ordinary state of the Church; extraordinary cases are accompanied with a warranty in themselves for extraordinary Actings and Duties.

12. THE Call of Persons unto the Pastoral Office is an Act and Duty of the Church. It is not an Act of the political Magistrate, not of the Pope, not of any single Prelate, but of the whole Church, unto whom the Lord Christ hath committed the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. And indeed, although there be ⟨p. 59⟩great differences about the nature and manner of the Call of Men unto this Office, yet none who understand ought of these things, can deny, but that it is an Act and Duty of the Church; which the Church alone is empowered by Christ to put forth and exert. But this will more fully appear in the consideration of the nature and manner of this Call of Men unto the Pastoral Office, and the actings of the Church therein.

12. THE Call of Persons unto the Pastoral Office is an Act and Duty of the Church. It is not an Act of the political Magistrate, not of the Pope, not of any single Prelate, but of the whole Church, unto whom the Lord Christ hath committed the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. And indeed, although there be ⟨p. 59⟩great differences about the nature and manner of the Call of Men unto this Office, yet none who understand ought of these things, can deny, but that it is an Act and Duty of the Church; which the Church alone is impowered by Christ to put forth and exert. But this will more fully appear in the consideration of the nature and manner of this Call of Men unto the Pastoral Office, and the actings of the Church therein.