The sixth Argument for the justification of the ministers in Engl.* 1.1 is, Gods ordinary, and dayly assistance of them in theyr ministery, for the wor∣king mens conversion vnto the Lord.
God forbid I should eyther deny, or make doubt of the effectuall* 1.2 conversion of men vnto salvation in Engl. neyther doth Mr Ains∣worth say (as you charge him in your 2. book) that none are converted* 1.3 by you: but he shewes, first, how you cōtradict your selves in saying that you convert men to God, and yet affirm, that the same per∣sons before their conversion, were true Christians: and 2. that con∣sidering the swarmes of graceles persons, wherewith all your par∣rishes are filled, you have more cause of blushing, then of boasting this way. But this I deny, that the conversion of men vnto God is a sufficient Argument to prove a true minister of Christ: that is, to prove a lawfull calling into a true office of ministery, according to Christs testament. It is most evident, that whosoever converteth a man vnto God, that person doth in truth, and in deed minister the word of God, & the spirit by the word: & so may be sayd to be sent of God; but that every one, whom God so honoreth, (though ne∣ver so ordinarily) should therefore be a true Church officer lawfully called to publique administration (which is the quaestion betwixt Mr B. and me) is most vntrue & cōtrary both to many * 1.4 scriptures, which shew that men in no office, may, and to much experience, which shewes they do convert, and save sinners. And if onely offi∣cers may convert vnto the Lord, to what purpose should private persons exhort, instruct, and reprove any vpon any occasion whatsoever?
But here I am driven to take vpon me the defence of them,