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THE indispensible use of a Go∣spel Ministry must appear to such as at all consider, the ig∣norance of Mankind in the way of Eternal Life, the innate aversion to the terms of Reconciliation with God, the Mystery of Gospel Revelations, the subtle and unwearied Attempts of Se∣ducers against the Truth, the backward∣ness to improvement in Grace and a Life according to the Rules of Chri∣stianity, which even they discern, who
are not utter Strangers to the Impres∣ses of a Divine Power, by the Word, in the illumination of their Minds, and renovation of their Wills. Yea further, who would sustain the Labour and Ha∣zards of this holy Calling, or attend thereto with an assiduity requisite to the ends thereof, if not by Office obliged? Nay, how would it enervate our Plead∣ings with Sinners, and abate that Assu∣rance given to Believers by the Word and Sacraments, if we did not trans∣act between God and them, as cloathed with the Authority of Ambassadors, delegated by Christ thereto, and support∣ted by his Presence and Power in our Ad∣ministrations?
The Lord Iesus, as Head of the Church, promiseth and dispenseth Gifts suitable to the Ministerial Office, and renders them so essential thereto, as that none can be duly admitted to this Trust, who are not in some good degree fit to teach, divide the Word aright, convince Gain-sayers; yea credibly appearing de∣voted to God, and concerned for the Sal∣vation of Men. No Ordainers can dis∣pense
with the want of these; nor is the Ministerial Office conveighed by the great∣est Solemnities to any Man void of these Qualifications; though the best accom∣plished may awfully say, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 2 Cor. 2. 16.
The same holy Instituter of this Office ••ath wisely provided against Intruders; and also for the encouragement of such as are capable, by subjecting Probationers ordinarily to the Enquiry and Iudgment of Men fit, and authorized to determine of their Call and Endowments, and to in∣vest them in the Office of a Presbyter, by Fasting and Prayer, with imposition of Hands: the Authority and Obligati∣ons of which Office are in the Scriptures adjusted by Christ, and can admit of no Change at the Will of the Ordain∣ers.
Reason directs that the Ordainers should be fit to judge of the necessary Qualifi∣cations of such as are proposed to this Charge: The Scriptures determine that the Ordainers be such as are invested and exercised in the same holy Office. And
who so capable to judge, or likely to be careful and faithful in their Admissions? These are appointed to make a Minister, though Churches are to elect who so ap∣proved shall be their Minister: Pastors invest in the Office, though the People do appropriate the more stated and usual Employment of the Officer. Confusion and a degenerate Ministry must ensue Mens attempting the Ministry, if they get but a good conceit of them∣selves, or that particular Churches as∣sume the sending forth Preachers, or making Ministers for themselves, unless in Cases very extraordinary.
The Reverend Author in the follow∣ing Treatise hath no design to reflect on Episcopal Ordination, nor to raise any unseasonable Debates among Pro∣testants. But being in a peculiar man∣ner assaulted as an Vsurper of the Ministerial Office, because separated thereto by the imposition of no Hands besides those of Presbyters. He here∣in affirms, and I think with great Iudgment and Evidence proveth, That Presbyters, though no Prelates, are
authorized by the Lord Iesus to Or∣dain fit Persons to the Office of Pres∣byters, and that the Ordination of such is valid. Many have successfully engaged in this Debate heretofore, yet thou wilt find some very considerable Addition to what occurs in most other Authors. It's not unworthy the Ani∣madversion of all concerned for the meer being of Religion, that there is a general Attempt this day, not only against the Exercise of the Ministry in an aptitude to its end, but against the very Office of the Mi∣nistry: many that widely differ in o∣ther things, do yet center herein. The fordwardness of some to nullifie the Mission of their Brethren, conduceth as much thereto as any thing, except the Personal Faults of Ministers. Such decisions of the Subject in debate, yields no small Advantage to the Romish Hierarchy, whiles most Protestants are unchurched, and their Holy Ad∣ministrations arraigned as Nul••ities: A Notion that never obtained in the English Church till the Grotian de∣sign received Patronage here, and
that to subserve purposes as little pro∣pitious to our Civil Rights, as to Religion it self. The Increase of Pu∣rity, Self-denial, Light and Love, would soon decide Cases more impor∣tant; and render the Vitals of Chri∣stianity more secure, which are now so variously exposed.
I am thy Servant in our common Lord, Daniel Williams.