The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

3. IT is required that Persons so chosen, so submitted unto, be so solemnly separated, dedicated unto, and confirmed in their Office by Fasting and Prayer. As this is consonant unto the Light of Nature, which directs unto a solemnity in the susception of public Officers; whence proceeds the Coronation of Kings, which gives them not their Title, but solemnly proclaims it, which on many accounts is unto the advantage of Government; so it is prescribed unto the Church in this case by especial Institution. But hereof I shall speak farther immediately.

3. IT is required that Persons so chosen, so submitted unto, be so solemnly separated, dedicated unto, and confirmed in their Office by Fasting and Prayer. As this is consonant unto the Light of Nature, which directs unto a solemnity in the susception of publick Officers; whence proceeds the Coronation of Kings, which gives them not their Title, but solemnly proclaims it, which on many accounts is unto the advantage of Government; so it is prescribed unto the Church in this case by especial Institution. But hereof I shall speak farther immediately.

THIS Order of calling Men unto the Pastoral Office, namely by their previous Qualifications for the Ministry, whereby a general designation of the Persons to be called is made by Christ himself; the orderly Choice or Election of him in a voluntary subjection unto him in the Lord, according to the Mind of Christ, by the Church it self; followed with solemn Ordination, or setting apart unto the Office and discharge of it by ⟨p. 78⟩Prayer with Fasting, all in obedience unto the Commands and Institution of Christ, whereunto the communication of Office-Power and Privilege, is by Law-constitution annexed, is suited unto the light of Reason, in all such cases, the nature of Gospel Societies in Order or Churches; the ends of the Ministry, the Power committed by Christ unto the Church, and confirmed by Apostolical Practice and Example.