Five disputations of church-government and worship

But 1. Let such brethren consider that there may be all abilities essentially requisite to a Pastor, without the ability of praying or preaching without a form (Though still I pray God to save us from a Necessity of such.) A man that can Teach men the substance of the Christian Religion, and administer the Sacraments, and Oversee and Govern the flock, hath as much ability as is necessary to the Being of a Pastor. But those may have all this that cannot fitly preach or Pray without a form. They may be godly men, able in conference to instruct the people in the substance of Religion, and to read the Scriptures, and the Holy writings of godly men, and to administer Sacraments, and prudently and diligently guide the people. And by the same rule as you will conclude it better that (e. g.) Wales, Ireland, &c. have private men to read good books, rather then none, lest they turn heathens; I may also conclude that it is better for them to have Churches and Pastors of this weaker sort, then to have none, and leave their children unbaptized, and live without the Sacraments, and Church-Communion, and Government.

2. Consider I beseech you (which moves me more then any thing else) the state of the Christian world. In Ethiopia, Syria, Armenia, Russia, Grecia, and abundance of other Churches of Christ •here are very few Preachers, but mere Readers. And can any man think that it is best for all these Churches to be without Ministers, and Sacraments, rather then to have such? O that God would give them better▪ But till then I shall pray that ⟨p. 371⟩he will continue these among them, rather then leave them destitute. I know many godly judicious men, of able parts for conference, that yet are unable to compose a Sermon (though if they could, it were a form) that yet I am confident by Reading such Practical Books as are now extant,¹ and by prudent oversight, might be tolerable Pastors for many a Congregation in Wales, that now have none.