PROPOSALS; for the Preservation of Religion in the Churches, by a due TRIAL of them that stand CANDIDATES OF THE MINISTRY.
It is a thing of Great Consequence to the Safety and Welfare of our Churches, and the Interests of our Holy Religion are not a little concerned in it, That the Candidates of the Evangelical Ministry from time to time arising among us, should still be offered unto the Acceptance of the Churches, under the Advantage of their having undergone a due TRIAL of their Qualifications, for so solemn, and sacred a Service. And it hath long been the Wish of prudent Men, who wish well to the Interests Religion, That none of our Christian Congregations may countenance any, who shall set up for public Preachers of the Gospel, until they can produce a Testimonial of their having been duly proved and approved, as Qualified for so Weighty an Undertaking.
Therefore,
I. It is proposed, that every Candidate of the Ministry, be furnished with a TESTIMONIAL, under the Hands of at least Four or Five settled Pastors in our Churches, of his having been Tried upon the EXPECTED ARTICLES, and of his being upon Trial found competently Qualified, for the Encouragements of a public ⟨p. 119⟩Preacher among the Congregations of GOD in the Land. And that none presume to enter upon a Course of treating any of our Congregations, with their Sermons, until they have applied themselves unto such a Number of our Pastors, for such a Testimonial.
II. It is proposed, That the EXPECTED ARTICLES on which the Candidates of the Ministry shall be Tried, shall be these:
1. He shall be one of a Blameless Life; and therefore one that hath actually joined unto a particular Church, for Communion in all special Ordinances.
2. He shall give the Triers an Account of the Principles, that act him, in his Desire to Preach the Gospel; which may satisfy their Judicious Charity, that he is acted by the Evangelical Principles of Love to CHRIST and Souls, in his Intentions.
3. He shall be tried, how far he is acquainted with the Three learned Languages, and with the Sciences commonly taught in the Academical Education: And so much Acquaintance therewithal shall be required, as may be judged absolutely needful for the Services whereto he he is designed.
4. Before Three of the Triers at least, he shall Preach a Probationary Sermon, on a Text, at a Time, and in a Place, which they shall appoint;
PROPOSALS; for the Preservation of Religion in the Churches, by a due TRIAL of them that stand CANDIDATES OF THE MINISTRY.
It is a thing of Great Consequence to the Safety and Welfare of our Churches, and the Interests of our Holy Religion are not a little concerned in it, That the Candidates of the Evangelical Ministry from time to time arising among us, should still be offered unto the Acceptance of the Churches, under the Advantage of their having undergone a due TRIAL of their Qualifications, for so solemn, and sacred a Service. And it hath long been the Wish of prudent Men, who wish well to the Interests Religion, That none of our Christian Congregations may countenance any, who shall set up for publick Preachers of the Gospel, until they can produce a Testimonial of their having been duely proved and approved, as Qualified for so Weighty an Undertaking.
Therefore,
I. It is proposed, that every Candidate of the Ministry, be furnished with a TESTIMONIAL, under the Hands of at least Four or Five settled Pastors in our Churches, of his having been Tried upon the EXPECTED ARTICLES, and of his being upon Trial found competently Qualified, for the Encouragements of a publick ⟨p. 119⟩Preacher among the Congregations of GOD in the Land. And that none presume to enter upon a Course of treating any of our Congregations, with their Sermons, until they have applied themselves unto such a Number of our Pastors, for such a Testimonial.
II. It is proposed, That the EXPECTED ARTICLES on which the Candidates of the Ministry shall be Tried, shall be these:
1. He shall be one of a Blameless Life; and therefore one that hath actually joined unto a particular Church, for Communion in all special Ordinances.
2. He shall give the Triers an Account of the Principles, that act him, in his Desire to Preach the Gospel; which may satisfy their Judicious Charity, that he is acted by the Evangelical Principles of Love to CHRIST and Souls, in his Intentions.
3. He shall be tried, how far he is acquainted with the Three learned Languages, and with the Sciences commonly taught in the Academical Education: And so much Acquaintance therewithal shall be required, as may be judged absolutely needful for the Services whereto he he is designed.
4. Before Three of the Triers at least, he shall Preach a Probationary Sermon, on a Text, at a Time, and in a Place, which they shall appoint;
