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The fourth principle: Imposition of hands.
DOe not the Sacraments require a Ministery to dispense and minister them?* 1.1
They doe so: for being publike tokens of our re∣ligion, they are to be ministred in a publike place, and by publike persons appointed thereunto.
May not so much be signified here by imposition of hands?
Yes, by this ceremonie is noted persons set apart for the publike ministry of the Church, to minister the holy things thereof.
What doe yee call the Church?
The inuisible Church is the whole number of the elect: but the visible Church is a company of persons called out of the rest of the world, to know and worship the true God, according to his word.
Wherefore hath GOD ordained a ministry in his Church?
First, for the gathering of the elect to the faith and profession of Christ. Secondly, for the building them vp vnto saluation in heauen. Lastly, for the wicked which liue in the Church and are not of it, to take from them all ex∣cuse, and to make their condemnation more iust and heauy.
Who are to be thought meet for the ministrie?
Onely such as be endewed with a good measure of knowledge and wisedome, to be able to interpret and apply the Scriptures, to the seuerall vses of the Church, by doctrine and exhortation.
What dutie doe the people owe to the true Ministers of Christ?
First, a loue and reuerence to their person and cal∣ling: secondly, obedience to their doctrine: thirdly, main∣tenance of their charge and estate.
How long lasteth the Ministry?
Euen vntill the second comming of the Lord Iesus.