Two discourses concerning the Holy Spirit, and His work the one, Of the Spirit…

so that it was for some Ages observed Sacredly in the Primitive Churches, cannot modestly be denied. But how far any People or Church may commit over this Power of declaring their Consent and Acquiescence unto others to act for them, and as it were in their stead, so as that the Call to Office should yet be valid, provided ⟨p. 236⟩the former Rules be observed, I will not much dispute with any, though I approve only of what maketh the nearest Approaches to the Primitive Pattern that the Circumstances of things are capable of. (4.) The Lord Christ continueth his bestowing of this Gift, by the Solemn Ordinance of setting apart those who are called in the manner declared, by Fasting and Prayer, and Imposition of Hands, Acts 14. 23. Chap. 13. 2. 1 Tim. 4. 14. By these means, I say, doth the Lord Christ continue to declare, that he accounts Men faithful, and puts them into the Ministry, as the Apostle speaks, 1 Tim. 1. 12.

so that it was for some Ages observed Sacredly in the Primitive Churches, cannot modestly be denied. But how far any People or Church may commit over this Power of declaring their Consent and Acquiescency unto others to act for them, and as it were in their stead, so as that the Call to Office should yet be valid, provided ⟨p. 236⟩the former Rules be observed, I will not much dispute with any, though I approve only of what maketh the nearest Approaches to the Primitive Pattern that the Circumstances of things are capable of. (4.) The Lord Christ continueth his bestowing of this Gift, by the Solemn Ordinance of setting apart those who are called in the manner declared, by Fasting and Prayer, and Imposition of Hands, Acts 14. 23. Chap. 13. 2. 1 Tim. 4. 14. By these means, I say, doth the Lord Christ continue to declare, that he accounts Men faithful, and puts them into the Ministry, as the Apostle speaks,