A61661:66
The doctrine of instituted churches explained and proved from the word of God
The doctrine of instituted churches explained and proved from the word of God by Solomon Stoddard ...
London: printed for Ralph Smith, 1700
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.
Yet Elders having not only Power over their particular Churches, but also over others, and God having committed to National and Provincial Churches, the care of particular Congregations, it is requisite, when it may be obtained, that there be an approbation of Men chosen to be Elders, by some deputed by the National or Provincial Church.
Furthermore, some Persons being to be entrusted with the Office of being Ministers of Christ, who have no call to any particular Congregation, there is need that they have the approbation of some deputed by the Church in that Country, or at least by a particular Congregation: The Persons that are to perform this Act of Ordination, ought to be such as are most suitable to the Ends of Ordination, viz. The signifying approbation and the obtaining the presence of God with him; sometimes we find that extraordinary Persons have ordained a Person to extraordinary Office, 2 Tim. 1.6. Sometimes we find that extraordinary Persons have ordained ordinary Officers, Act. 14.23. And there is command given to extraordinary Officers to ordain ordinary, 1 Tim. 5.22. 1 Tit. 5. Sometimes we find that extraordinary Officers, and ordinary have joined in the ordaining of extraordinary; Act. 13.1,5. Sometimes we find that ordinary Officers, have ordained an extraordinary Officer; 1 Tim. 4.14. In a Provincial Church that is in order, Ministers ought to be ordained by such Elders, as are appointed by the Public Ecclesiastical Authority of the Land.
Furthermore, some Persons being to be entrusted with the Office of being Ministers of Christ, who have no call to any particular Congregation, there is need that they have the approbation of some deputed by the Church in that Country, or at least by a particular Congregation: The Persons that are to perform this Act of Ordination, ought to be such as are most suitable to the Ends of Ordination, viz. The signifying approbation and the obtaining the presence of God with him; sometimes we find that extraordinary Persons have ordained a Person to extraordinary Office,