Five disputations of church-government and worship

Sect. 11. Prop. 1. Approbation by Ministers is ordinarily to be sought and received by all that will enter into the Ministry. I gave some Reasons before, Chap. 2. Which here I shall enlarge, by which the sinfulness of Neglecting this Approbation may appear.

Sect. 12. Reas. 1. It is the way that God hath appointed us in Holy Scripture, and therefore to be followed. They that Ordained Elders or Bishops in the Churches, did more then Approve them, but could do no less, 1 Tim. 4.14. Timothy was ordained by the Imposition of the hands of the Presbytery, 1 Tim. 3.15. Paul giveth Timothy the description of Bishops and Deacons, that he may know how he ought to behave himself in the house of God, which is the Church, &c. That is, that he may know whom to Approve of or Ordain, Tit. 1.5. Titus was to Ordain Elders in every City, Acts 13.1, 2, 3. The Prophets and Teachers in the Church at Antioch did separate Barnabas and Paul to the work, with Fasting and Prayer, and imposition of hands. It was the Apostles that Ordained them Elders in every Church, Acts 14.23. Suppose it must be read [by Suffrages] as many would have it, that proveth no more but that the People did consent: But still it is Paul and Barnabas that Ordained them Elders, though with the peoples suffrages, and it is they that are said to fast and pray in the next words. Act. 6.3. Expressly shows that the People chose the Deacons, and the Apostles ordained them [Look ye out among your selves seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom whom we may appoint over this business. But I shall cut short this part of my task, because so much is said of it already by many that have written for Ordination, to whom I shall refer you.