CHAP. VIII. Of the Election of Church-Officers.
NO man may take the honour of a Church-Officer unto himself, but he that was called of God, as was Aaron.
2. Calling unto Office, is either Immediate, by Christ himself: such was the call of the Apostles, and Prophets; this manner of cal∣ling ended with them, as hath been said: or Mediate by the Church.
3. It is meet, that before any be ordained or chosen Officers, they should first be Tryed and proved; because hands are not suddenly to be laid upon any, and both Elders and Deacons must be of honest and good report.
4. The things in respect of which they are to be Tryed, are those gifts and virtues which the Scripture requireth in men, that are to be elected into such places, viz, that Elders must be blameless, sober, apt to teach, and endued with such other qualifications as are laid down, 1 Tim. 3. and 2. Tit. 1.6. to 9. Deacons to be fitted, as is directed, Asts 6.3. 1 Tim. 3.8. to 11.
5. Officers are to be called by such Churches, whereunto they are to minister. Of such moment is the preservation of this power, That the Churches excercised it in the presence of the Apostles.
6. A Church being free cannot become subject to any, but by a free election;