A Weighty Question DISCUSSED.

A Weighty Question DISCUSSED.

Whether Imposition of Hands in the Separation of a Person to the Work of the Ministry be necessary?

Before I come to the Question, give me leave to premise a few things.

BEfore I come to the Question, give me leave to premise a few things.

First, Tho' Gifts are Essential to a Minister [they must be [Greek or Hebrew], 1 Tim. 2.2. to whom Timothy must commit the things he had heard, &c.] Yet Gifts do not make a Minister. I have known several Gentlemen [they were Scholars indeed] who as to Gifts were as fit for the Ministry as most Ministers at this day in England; yet these worthy Men did not invade the Office of the Ministry, as many illiterate, inferior, and too many erroneous Mechanics do now, to the disgrace of that Function: Had they been grave experienced Christians, as I have known some called forth, tried and ordained by Learned Divines to Places suitable, I should not have opposed, but encouraged and preferred before many who are called Scholars, but irreligious and ignorant in Soul-Works.

First, Tho' Gifts are Essential to a Minister [they must be 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, 1 Tim. 2.2. to whom Timothy must commit the things he had heard, &c.] Yet Gifts do not make a Minister. I have known several Gentlemen [they were Scholars indeed] who as to Gifts were as fit for the Ministry as most Ministers at this day in England; yet these worthy Men did not invade the Office of the Ministry, as many illiterate, inferiour, and too many erroneous Mechanicks do now, to the disgrace of that Function: Had they been grave experienced Christians, as I have known some called forth, tryed and ordained by Learned Divines to Places suitable, I should not have opposed, but encouraged and preferred before many who are called Schollars, but irreligious and ignorant in Soul-Works.