Five disputations of church-government and worship

Sect. 37. But I suppose some will say that [Though the Approbation of the Ordainers be not always of Necessity: because the person may be easily known without them; yet their Investing the person with the Power i• of Necessity, because without that he is but a person fit for the Office, but cannot receive it till some authorized person shall deliver it] Because the great mistake is involved in this objection, I shall answer it fully.

Sect. 37. But I suppose some will say that [Though the Approbation of the Ordainers be not alwaies of Necessity: because the person may be easily known without them; yet their Investing the person with the Power i• of Necessity, because without that he is but a person fit for the Office, but cannot receive it till some authorized person shall deliver it] Because the great mistake is involved in this objection, I shall answer it fully.

Sect. 38. The Law it self is it that directly gives the Power, and Imposeth the Duty, when the person is once determined of that falls under it: There needs no more but the signification of the W•ll of Christ, to confer the Power or Benefit, or impose the Duty. As an act of Oblivion pardoneth all the described persons; and an Act that imposeth any burden or office upon every man of such or such an estate or parts, doth immediately by it self oblige the persons; though some Judges or others may be appointed to call out the persons, and see to the execution (who do not thereby impose the duty) so is it in this case. Gods Law can Authorize and oblige without an Ordainer sometimes.

Sect. 39. The Investiture performed in Ordination by man, is not the first Obligation or Collation of the Power, but only the solemnization of what was done before. And therefore though it be necessitate praecepti a duty, and ordinarily necessary to Church Order and preservation, yet is it not necessary to the Being of the Ministerial Office or Power.