Five disputations of church-government and worship

Sect. 33. If the will of Christ may be known without Ordination, that this man should be the Pastor of such a People, or a Minister of the Gospel, then may a man be a Minister without Ordination. But the will of Christ may be known, &c. ergo.—

Sect. 34. Nothing needs proof but the Antecedent (For it is but the signification of the will of Christ that conferreth the Power, and imposeth the Duty;) And that his will is sometime signified concerning the individual person without Ordination, is apparent hence: 1. The Description of such as Christ would have to preach the Gospel, is very plain in his holy Canons (in the Scripture.) 2. His Gifts are frequently so eminent in several persons, as may remove all just occasion of doubting, both from the persons themselves and others. 3. Their suitableness to a People by interest, acquaintance, &c. may be as notable. 4. The Peoples common and strong affection to them, and theirs to the People, may be added to all these. 5. There may be no Competitor at all; or none regardable or comparable; and so no controversy. 6 The Necessities of the People may be so great and visible, that he and they may see that they are in danger of being undone, and the Church in danger of a very great loss or hurt, if he deny to be their Pastor. 7. The Magistrate also may call and command him to the work. 8. The People and he may consent and they may unanimously choose him, and he Accept their choice. And in all these the will of Christ is easily discerned, that this is the person whom he would have to undertake the Ministry.

Sect. 34. Nothing needs proof but the Antecedent (For it is but the signification of the will of Christ that conferreth the Power, and imposeth the Duty;) And that his will is sometime signified concerning the individual person without Ordination, is apparent hence: 1. The Description of such as Christ would have to preach the Gospel, is very plain in his holy Canons (in the Scripture.) 2. His Gifts are frequently so eminent in several persons, as may remove all just occasion of doubting, both from the persons themselves and others. 3. Their suitableness to a People by interest, acquaintance, &c. may be as notable. 4. The Peoples common and strong affection to them, and theirs to the People, may be added to all these. 5. There may be no Competitor at all; or none regardable or comparable; and so no controversie. 6 The Necessities of the People may be so great and visible, that he and they may see that they are in danger of being undone, and the Church in danger of a very great loss or hurt, if he deny to be their Pastor. 7. The Magistrate also may call and command him to the work. 8. The People and he may consent and they may unanimously choose him, and he Accept their choice. And in all these the will of Christ is easily discerned, that this is the person whom he would have to undertake the Ministry.