Five disputations of church-government and worship

Sect. 50. Argument 3. He that hath the Talents of Ministerial Abilities, is bound to improve them to the service of his Master and best advantage of the Church: But such are many that cannot have Ordination: ergo —Concerning the Major, note that I say not that every man that is able is bound to be a Minister, much less to enter upon the sacred function without Ordination: For 1. Some men that have Abilities may want liberty and opportunity to exercise them. 2. Others that have Ministerial Abilities, may also have Abilities for Magistracy, Physic, Law, &c. and may live in a Country where the exercise of the later is more Necessary and useful to the ⟨p. 165⟩good of men, and the service of God, then the exercise of the Ministry would be. For these men to be Ministers, that either want opportunity, or may do God greater service other ways, is not to improve their Talents to their Masters chiefest service: But still the general obligation holds, to improve our Talents to the best advantage, and do good to as many as we can, and work while it is day. And therefore 1. Such a man is bound (if he be not otherwise called out first) to offer his service to the Church and seek Ordination: And if he cannot have it upon just seeking, in case of Necessity, he is to exercise his Talents without it: lest he be used as the wicked slothful servant, that hid his Talent, Mat. 25.

Sect. 50. Argument 3. He that hath the Talents of Ministerial Abilities, is bound to improve them to the service of his Master and best advantage of the Church: But such are many that cannot have Ordination: ergo —Concerning the Major, note that I say not that every man that is able is bound to be a Minister, much less to enter upon the sacred function without Ordination: For 1. Some men that have Abilities may want liberty and opportunity to exercise them. 2. Others that have Ministerial Abilities, may also have Abilities for Magis•racy, Physick, Law, &c. and may live in a Country where the exercise of the later is more Necessary and useful to the ⟨p. 165⟩good of men, and the service of God, then the exercise of the Ministry would be. For these men to be Ministers, that either want opportunity, or may do God greater service other waies, is not to improve their Talents to their Masters chiefest service: But still the general obligation holds, to improve our Talents to the best advantage, and do good to as many as we can, and work while it is day. And therefore 1. Such a man is bound (if he be not otherwise called out first) to offer his service to the Church and seek Ordination: And if he cannot have it upon just seeking, in case of Necessity, he is to exercise his Talents without it: lest he be used as the wicked slothful servant, that hid his Talent,