The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

HEREUNTO is added, as an External Adjunct, imposition of hands significant of the persons so called to Office, in and unto the Church. For although it will be difficultly proved, that the use of this Ceremony was designed unto continuance, after a Cessation of the Communication of the extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Ghost, whereof it was the sign and outward means, in extraordinary Officers; yet we do freely grant it unto the ordinary Officers of the Church; provided that there be no apprehension of its being the sole Authoritative Conveyance of a successive flux of Office-Power; which is destructive of the whole nature of the institution.

AND this may at present suffice, as unto the Call of meet persons unto the Pastoral Office, and consequently any other ⟨p. 85⟩Office in the Church. The things following are essentially necessary unto it, so as that Authority and Right to Feed and Rule in the Church in the Name of Christ, as an Officer of his House, that may be given unto any one thereby by virtue of his Law, and the Charter granted by him unto the Church it self: The First is, That antecedently unto any actings of the Church towards such a person, with respect unto Office, he be furnished by the Lord Christ himself with Graces and Gifts, and Abilities, for the discharge of the Office whereunto he is to be called. This Divine Designation of the person to be called, rests on the Kingly Office and care of Christ towards his Church. Where this is wholly wanting, it is not in the power of any Church under Heaven, by virtue of any outward Order or Act, to communicate Pastoral or Ministerial Power unto any person whatever. Secondly, There is to be an Exploration or Trial of those Gifts and Abilities as unto their Accommodation unto the Edification of that Church, whereunto any person is to be Ordained a Pastor or Minister. But although the Right of judging herein, belong unto and reside in the Church it self, (for who else is able to judge for them, or is entrusted so to do?) yet is it their Wisdom and Duty to desire the Assistance and Guidance of those who are approved in the discharge of their Office in other Churches. Thirdly, The first act of Power committed unto the Church by Jesus Christ for the constitution of Ordinary Officers in it, is, that Election of a person qualified and tried, unto his Office, which we have now vindicated. Fourthly, There is required hereunto the Solemn Ordination, Inauguration, Dedication or setting apart of the persons so chosen by the Presbytery of the Church with Fasting and Prayer, and the outward sign of the Imposition of Hands.