Five disputations of church-government and worship

Sect. 66. It is therefore to be noted that, Eph. 4.6, 7, 8, 11 the way of Christs giving officers to his Church is said to be by [giving Gifts to men] and the diversity of Offices is founded in the ⟨p. 222⟩diversity of the Measure of Grace, (or these Gifts) [To every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Therefore he saith, Ascending on high he led captivity […], and gave Gifts to men ([Greek or Hebrew]) — And he gave some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers] So that giving Gifts, and giving Apostles, Prophets▪ &c. are here made the same work of God: Not that […] and Approbation of these gifts is hereby made unnecessary, but […] this is Gods principal act by which •e giveth Pastors and Teachers to the Church, and by which the Officers a•e distinguished. For the Church is to discern and submit to those that are thus gifted; and to follow the Spirit, and not either contradict or lead him. When God hath thus gifted men, the main work is done, for making them Ministers (i• withal he give t•em opportunities and advantages for the work) and it is the Churches Duty •o Own and Approve these Gifts of God, and to do their parts to introduce the person: And if the Ordainers refuse this, in case of Necessity, the gifted person is bound to improve his Gifts without them. I say [in case of Necessity] using the best Order that is left.

Sect. 66. It is therefore to be noted that, Eph. 4.6, 7, 8, 11 the way of Christs giving officers to his Church is said to be by [giving Gifts to men] and the diversity of Offices is founded in the ⟨p. 222⟩diversity of the Measure of Grace, (or these Gifts) [To every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Therefore he saith, Ascending on high he led captivity , and gave Gifts to men () — And he gave some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Tchers] So that giving Gifts, and giving Apostles, Prophets &c. are here made the same work of God: Not that and Approbation of these gifts is hereby made unnecessary, but this is Gods principal act by which e giveth Pastors and Teachers to the Church, and by which the Officers ae distinguished. For the Church is to discern and submit to those that are thus gifted; and to follow the Spirit, and not either contraict or lead him. When God hath thus gifted men, the main wrk is done, for making them Ministers (i withall he give tem opportunities and advantages for the work) and it is the Churches Duty o Own and Approve these Gifts of God, and to do their parts to introduce the person: And if the Ordainers refuse this, in case of Necessity, the gifted person is bound to improve his Gifts without them. I say [in case of Necessity] using the best Order that is left.