Five disputations of church-government and worship

Sect. 13. 6. Hence it appears that a man is in order of Nature a Preacher of the Gospel in General, before he be the Pastor of a particular flock: though in time they often go together: that is, when a man is ordained to such a particular flock.

Sect. 14. 7. And hence it follows that a man may be ordained sine Titulo or without a particular charge, where the Converting preparatory work is first to be done.

Sect. 15. 8. And hence it appeareth that a Minister is first in order related to the unbelieving world, as the object of his first work, before he be related to the Church existent: either Catholic or particular: And that he is under Christ first a Spiritual Father, to beget children unto God, from the unbelieving world, and then a Governor of them. If others have already converted them to our hands, and saved us that part of our work, yet that overthroweth not the order of the parts and works of our office, though it hinder the execution of the first part (it being done to our hands by others in that office.)

Sect. 15. 8. And hence it appeareth that a Minister is first in order related to the unbelieving world, as the object of his first work, before he be related to the Church existent: either Catholick or particular: And that he is under Christ first a Spiritual Father, to beget children unto God, from the unbelieving world, and then a Governour of them. If others have already converted them to our hands, and saved us that part of our work, yet that overthroweth not the order of the parts and works of our office, though it hinder the execution of the first part (it being done to our hands by others in that office.)