Quakerism the Path-Way to Paganism, Chapter 19
CHAP. XIX. Of the Ministerial Office.
1. WHen our Quaker beginneth to speak of this matter Pag▪ 203. §. 24. he followeth his usual manner, of crying up themselves, and loading all their Opposites with what expressions of disrespect and contempt, he thinketh meet: We are the men, with him (as the orthodox were of old with the Swenkfeldians, Familists, and Antinomians,) who alwayes adhere to Externals, following our External Rule and Methods, devised by our carnal and humane Wisdom; because we follow and desire to cleave unto the Rules and Methods, and all the Orders, prescribed by Christ, to be observed in his owne House: And upon the other hand, They are the men, who follow the wayes of the Spirit, and his immediat Help and Influence: and he leadeth them (as he saith) in such an Order and Methode, as becometh the Church of God; though this order and methode of theirs, wherein they suppose the Spirit leadeth them, be no prescribed Order in the word; but the meer Invention of their owne fantastick …raine, blasphemously Fathered upon the Immediat Teaching and Leading of the Spirit of God; for we know no ground to imagine, that the true Spirit of God will lead any in Courses Opposite unto, and Reflecting upon the holy Institutions of Christ; because he is the Spirit of Chirst, and sent by him from the Father, and was to testifie of him, Ioh. 15:26▪ and not to counterwork Him, and trample upon his Appointments; It is also said, that he would glorifie Christ, and receive of His, and shew it unto the disciples, Ioh. 16:14. But the Spirit, that leadeth them, is wholly set in them to dishonour and cry down Christ, and to reject all his Ordinances, not one excepted; as we have seen already, and shall see more. Nay, this evil Spirit, that acteth them, destroyeth and casteth away these very Orders and Ordinances, which the Scripture tels us, the true Spirit of God hath appointed and established: and is such an enemy to all Gospel Order, that it cryeth up only Paganish and develish Confusion.
2. What he saith of the Papal and Prelatical Hierarchy, I have nothing to do with: but what can he say against that Order, which Presbyterians maintaine to be Instituted by Christ, by Officers of divine appointment, and the Courts & Judicatories, which they owne, Superior & Inferior? Whatever contention be among these, concerning the Order to be observed in the house of God, there is no warrand for him & his party to cast away all Order, & bring in the confusion of Babel, instead of that beautiful and edifying Order, which Christ, the Supream Head and King of the Church, hath wisely, for his owne glory, & for promoving the good & edification of his Subjects, Appointed, & signally Blessed.
3. But sayes he Pag. 204. speaking of his party, We say the substance is to be enquired after, and the Vertue, Life and Spirit, who is one, in all these different names and offices, mentioned in the Scriptures 1 Cor. 12:4 Ephes. 4. Answ. We say also, the Substance is to be enquired after, and the Spirit's Blessing, Power, Efficacy, and Presence to be sought; but so, as the Ordinances and holy Appointments of the Spirit be religiously Observed; for the Spirit of God hath not taught us, to see any repugnancy here; whatever that evil Spirit, which acteth and leadeth them, doth. Sure, had there been any such Repugnancy or Inconsistency, as these Fanaticks dream, the Spirit had never appointed these Orders; nor instituted these Ordinances and Officers; nor prescribed Rules to Regulate these Officers, in the right and edifying manner of the discharge of their duty, and Administrating the appointed Ordinances. Himself cannot but confess, that the Spirit did appoint Officers, in the house of God; the Scriptures, by him cited, are so cleare and plaine, to which others might be added: And I would faine know of him, why this was done? was this to divert the primitive Church from enquireing after the Substance, and after the Vertue, Life and Spirit, of these ordinances? He dar not say this. The Spirit then, that acteth them, cannot be the same with that Spirit, that ordered matters in the Primitive Church; but an enemie thereunto; and consequently the Spirit of the Devil, directly Opposeing and Counter working the Spirit of God: let him think on this; for it will be found so.
4. He goeth on to tell us, That it was never the minde of Christ and his Apostles, that Christians should establish the shadow and forme of these Officers, without the power, efficacy and Spirit of Christ. Answ. The Power, Efficacy and Spirit of Christ, is not in Christians power to Establish: the Spirit bloweth where he listeth: I understand not that Spirit, which falleth under the establishment of men, and of these Quakers; It is not the Spirit of God, that is so under their power, and at their devotion, and can be established by them, as they please. (2.) We plead not for Shadowes and Formes; but yet we owne the Ordinances, and desire religiously to observe such, as Christ hath appointed to remaine and continue, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Ephes. 4: vers. 11, 12, 13. even to the end of the world. Mat. 28:20. especially seing we have no ground to think, that all these Offices and Officers were appointed only for that time and age, the work being of the same necessity now, as then; and no restriction or limitation to that instant being declared: It is true, there was a special piece of work called for then; to wit, the founding and setling of Gospel Churches, and of Gospel Order, Lawes and Ordinances, to which extraordinary Officers were called, qualified and impowered; which is not now necessary: the foundation being once laid, there is no more required, but a continual building upon that foundation, to which ordinary Officers, and a standing ordinary Ministrie is sufficient and necessary, that the Ordinances of perpetual use may be administred, according to Christs appointment, for the constant edification of the Church: And against this, these Quakers set themselves with all their might; that when the Church is denuded of her Officers and Watchers, she may become a fitter prey for these grievous wolves, who now enter in, not spareing the flock, & speak perverse things to draw away disciples after them.
5. This is (saith he) the work of Antichrist. & the mystery of iniquity, erected in the dark night of Apostasie. Answ. Then Christ and his Apostles wrou…ht the work of Antichrist and the Mysterie of iniquity: And the dark night of Apostasie was in the very first Primitive dayes of the Church: But what blashemy this is, and what an Antichristian Spirit this must be, that speaketh in these men, let sober men judge, Let us hear more: But sayes he, in the true Church of Christ, which is gathered by God, not only into the doctrine of truth, but also into the life, power and Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of God is Governour and Regulator; as in every individual, so also in the general: And when they meet together, to worshipe God, then such, as God separateth to the ministry by his owne power and influence, opening their m…uthes, and giving unto them, to exhort, rebuke and instruct, in the power and Spirit of the Lord, cannot but be heard, received and held in honour for their works sake, by their brethren, seing they are thus ordained and put into the ministrie by God: And thus there is no monopoly hereof unto a certaine kinde of men, called the clergy (who for this cause are educated, and taught this art, as other carnal trades are) that all the rest may be despised and excluded as laicks; but the mater, is left unto the free gift of God, that he may call whom he will, poor or rich, servants or masters, old or young, men or women: and who are thus called, verifie the Gospel 1 Thes. 1:5. and they cannot but be received and heard by Christs sheep.
6. Here we have plaine dealing, and a full discovery made of the principles and practices of these men; and a demonstration given of the Opposition of that Spirit, which is in them, unto the whole Ordinance and Work of the Ministry, appointed by Christ. And for Answere, a few things may serve. (1.) Was the primitive Church, Instituted and gathered by Christ and his Apostles, a Church of Christ, and gathered by God, or not? He dar not say, not▪ Then I ask, how came it to passe, that this way of their was not Universally and Constantly practized? Was not the Spirit of God Governour and Ruler in their Assemblies? He dar not deny it: How then dar he speak thus? (2.) Were there no distinct Officers, particular individual Persons, separated and set apart for the work of the Ministrie, in the dayes of the Apostles? If there were, it is manifest, that their Order and Way is Diametrically opposite to the Order and Way, used in the Apostolick Church. If there were not: what were the Apostles? What were the Evangelists? What were the other Ordinary inferiour Officers, ordained and setled in the Churches Act. 6: v. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. & 14: v. 23. 1 Cor. 12: v. 28, 29, 30. Ephes. 4: v. 11. Phil. 1: ver. 1. & 4:3. & 2: v. 25. Col. 4: vers. 7, 12, 17. 1 Thes. 5:12, 13, 14. 1 Tim. 3:1—15. & 4 v. 14, 15 16. & 5: v. 17, 22. 2 Tom; 2:2. & 4:1, 2. Tit. 1:5—9: Heb. 13, v. 7, 17. Iam. 5: v. 14. 1 Pet. 5:4. Revel. 1:20, & 2: & 3. (3.) This destroyeth the whole Order of the Ministrie; for hereby it is declared, that there is no such thing, as Officers, established in the house of God, distinct from other Church-members, contrare to the places already cited, & to Rom. 12:6, 7, 8. 1 Cor. 12. thoughout. Act. 15:4, 6. & 21:18. 2 Cor. 5:18, 19. The contrary whereof is further evinced from the Titles, Stiles, or Peculiar Designations, which we finde given to peculiar persons, set over others, in the …ew Testament; such as Pastors Ephes. 4:11. 1 Pet. 5 20. Act 20:28. Doctors 1 Cor. 12:28. Ephes. 4:11. Teachers Gal. 6:6. Stewards 1 Cor. 4:1 Tit. 1:7. Preachers Rom. 10.14. Overseers Act. 20:18. 1 Pet. 4:15. & 5:2. Angels Revel 1:20. & 2 1, 8, 12, 18. & 3:1, 10, 15. Stars Rev. 1:18. Ambassadours 2 Cor. 5:19, 20. Such as are set over others Heb. 13:17. Rulers 1 Cor. 12:28. 1 Tim. 5:17. As also from the special Work imposed upon them, & called for from their hands: not only included in the forementioned Titles, & the like; but expresly mentioned; such as Preaching of the Gospel, Administration of Sacraments, Care of the Poor, exercise of Disciple &c. As is clear from Mat. 28:19. 1 Cor: 9 16.17. & 10:16. Rom. 12:6, 7, 8. 2 Cor 12.15. 1 Tim. 4:13, 14, 15, 16. & 3:5. 2 Tim. 2:25. & 4:2. Act. 6:2, 4. Likewise from the duties required of others, in reference to them. See 1 Thes. 5:12. Gal. 6:6. 1 Tim. 5:17. Heb. 13:7, 17. And from the Qualifications required in them 1 Tim. 3:2. 2 Tim. 2:2 6. Tit. 1:…. And Orders given about their Trial & Ordination Act. 6. 1 Tim. 3:10. & 5:11, 12. Moreover this is evinced from the special Commands and Injunctions laid upon them, to minde their work aright 1 Tim. 3:5. 1 Pet. 5:2, 3. 1 Tim. 4:14, 15, 16. Act. 6:2, 4. 2 Tim. 4:2. & 2:25. 1 Cor 9:16, 17 2 Cor. 12:15. Heb. 13:17. To which may be added the Promises of God's presence and assistance, in the discharge of this work, Mat. 28:20. Revel. 1:1. and his Approbation of them in it Mat. 16.19. Ioh. 20.23. Mat. 10:40. Luk. 10:16. Ioh. 13.20. 1 Thes. 4 8. (4.) Hereby the work, which God hath peculiarly committed to these Officers, is made common; And thus this man joyneth himself to the Socinians in this; for upon this ground they go, inveighing against a special Call, which Officers ought to have. See Hoornb. Socinian. conf. lib. 2. c. 4. Sect. 3. Where their words are adduced & confuted. Nay this Quaker doth outstripe the Socinians; for he will have every man, according as his owne spirit (falsly called the Spirit of God) moveth him, setting to this work; while as they seem to be more for some Order; & for orders sake will allow something like a Call from the people or others, though they look not upon this, as a divine Institution. But that the Lord hath restricted this work, in ordinary, unto the peculiar Officers, is not only manifest from their Institution, & their call thereunto, already cleared; but also from expresse Prohibition of any such Encroachment Rom. 12:3, 6, 7, 8. 1 Cor. 12. throughout 1 Cor. 7:20. 1 Thes. 4:11. & from the Titles mentioned, which, not being common, shew that the work thereby imported is not to be made common; & Qualifications not common shew that the work is special, & not common; so also the Duties required of the rest, in reference to these Officers, aboundantly show, that all are not promiscuously called to the work, because it is upon the account of the work, that these duties are to be performed unto them. This I have aboundantly elsewhere spoken to, in my book against Velchusius Assert 7. Pag. 67. &c. and need say no more to it here. (5.) We no where read of men separated to the Ministrie, and Ordained for one particular Act, at one season; but for a constant and continued Exercise, in the work of the Ministry, Act. 6. & 14▪ 23. Act. 20:28. 1 Cor. 12:28. Tit. 1:5. so that their ordained Teachers are not of God. (6.) These Preachers of theirs take upon them to be Officers without previous Tryal & Examination, contrare to the order established in Christ's house (7.) Though we acknowledge a distinction betwixt the Officers appointed in the house of God, and Others, over whom they are set; yet we owne not these Popish denominations of Clergy & Laicks; as he cannot but know, though malice prompteth him to speak thus (8.) That God is free to call whom he will, we know; but he hath told us by his Servant Paul, that he will not call women to this publick Ministery; and seing he ha…h appointed an ordinary and setled way, whereby persons are to enter unto this work, we have no warrant to think, that such as come not in by the door that he hath set open, but creep in at windowes, or such like unlawful wayes, are called of the Lord; but do rather run unsent, in contempt of God & his established Order (9.) we think it no wonder, that their Brethren, who are under the power of that same delusion, receive such, hearken to them and honoure them: and so it is rather a confirmation of their delusion, then an argument evinceing the lawfulness of that way (10.) That these, thus called, can say what the Apostle said 1 Thes. 1:5. is but his naked and groundless assertion; for their discourses and writtings are plaine demonstrations of the power of errour and delusion. (11.) It is not the nature of Sheep to follow ravenous Wolves; And Christ's sheep know his voice; and will not follow a stranger Ioh. 10:4, 5. far less theevs, that come for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (12.) The ground of all this we disapprove; to wit, the laying aside of the word of God, our only Rule, and betaking themselves to Immediat Inspirations as the only Warrant of all their actions: the iniquity of which we have sufficiently discovered above Chap. III. & IV.
7. He tels us §. 25. Pag, 205. That these mentioned 1 Cor, 12:28, 29. & Rom. 12.6. were not distinct officers, but only different operations of the same Spirit, that could coincede in one and the same person, as the rest of the duties mentioned thereafter, to wit, of love, charity &c Ans. (1.) That the Apostle 1 Cor. 12. is speaking of the Church, as an Organical body, none, that once read the text, can deny: for as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many are one body: so also is Christ vers. 12. And after a further enlargment upon this similitude, he saith vers. 27. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. Then vers. 28. enumerateth diverse kinds of Membe…s or Officers, and not Operations only, saying God hath set some in t…e Church, first Apostles, secondarily Prophets, thirdly Teachers; and then nameth Helps, Governments, which not only denote Operations, but Officers appointed for these Operations and Administrations. Were not Apostles, Prophets and Teachers, Officers in the house of God? or do these names only import Operations? Then Christ, when he instituted twelue Apostles, did institute twelue Operations: and Matthias Act. 1. who was numbered among the twelue, was nothing but an Operation, and Paul was another? And when Christ gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, & some Evangelists, and some Pastours and Teachers Ehes. 4.11. he gave nothing but Operations, common to all the Church members, contrare to what the Apostle expresly saith 1 Cor. 12.8, 9, 10. To one, to another, to another, to another &c. & vers. 29. are all Apostles? are all Prophets? are all Teachers? &c. which question is a vehement denial (2.) So what the Apostle sayeth Rom. 12:4, 5. is clear for us; for, as we ha…e many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we being many are one body in Christ. And what these Officers or members of this one body in Christ were, he showeth first generally, & then more particularly, pointing to every one their several duty & work, according to the gift of function laid upon him, saying vers. 6, 7, 8. having then gifts differing according to the Proportion of faith, or ministry, Let us wait on our ministring; or he that teacheth on teaching, or he that exhorteth on exhortation, he that giveth, with simplicity, he that ruleth with diligence, he that sheweth mercy with chearfulness. So that here are Officers plainely decyphered, Teachers, Exhorters, Rulers, Givers and Shewers of mercy; and their peculiar work named; and the manner of their discharge of this imployment pointed forth; and all this, as distinguishing them from others, whom they were to Teach, Exhort, Rule over, Shew mercy unto, &c. (3.) The plaine and obvious scope of the Apostle in both places, being to suppress that levelling humore; that was ariseing in these Churches, where proud persons were not satisfied with their owne station, but would encroach upon the function of others, is more than enough to confute and rebuke the levelling humore of this Quaker, who is sick of Corah's disease Numb. 16: vers. 1, 2, 3. (4) We say not, that none of these Offices could coincide in the same persones; for we know the Superiour Officer could do, what the Inferiour did; though the Inferiour could not do what the Superior did The Apostles could have done the work of Pastours and Teachers, though these could not have done the work of the Apostles. (5.) There is a vaste difference betwixt these Official duties, incumbent to Officers: and presupposeing special Official gifts, and a peculiar call; and the common christian duties, mentioned Rom. 12.9, 10. &c.
8. Next he sayes, That all grant, that Pastours and Doctors are one and the same, and so may the rest be: Prophecy, though it be a distinct gift, yet they reckon it not for a distinct office, as it importeth a declaration of future things, which may be common to others, even to laicks: And if it be taken as importing to speak from the Spirit of truth, it is common to all the saints. Ans. (1.) It is false, that all grant Pastours and Doctors to be the same, though one man may performe both these Offices, as one may performe both the office of an Elder and of a Deacon. (2.) The Prophets were extraordinary officers, having a special Function and Imployment in the Church, at that time; And though some now may have a gift of foreteling some future thing, that will not constitute them Church-officers, or Prophets. (3.) Though these Offices might coincede in some persons; Yet they remained distinct Offices: And though we should grant (which we cannot) that all the Offices were common to all the officers; Yet this would plead nothing for his Babel, who will have no distinct setled Officers, at all; but maketh all the Offices and Work, common, or indifferent to all the Members, man and woman, young and old, without any difference.
9. But sayes he Pag. 206. Though to instruct, teach and exhort be proper to such, as are peculiarly called to the work of the ministey; Yet it is not so peculiar unto them, as that it may not also be common to such, as are moved by the Spirit, when the saints are gathered together. Ans. (1.) Then it seemeth, he will grant that there are some peculiarly called to the work of the Ministry; and that it is proper to them to Teach, Admonish, and Exhort: And if so, how can others take upon them to performe the work peculiar to such an Office, who are not impowered thereunto, by being called to the Office? We speak not here of Private admonishing and exhorting, but of that which is Ministerial; and is to be with Ministerial Authority, as by persons clothed with Official authority. His instance of hearing and seeing, which are proper to men, and yet common to other creatures, is of no use here, where we are speaking of work, peculiar to an Office, and ought to be performed by none, but such as are clothed with that office. (2.) God will move none, in ordinary cases, to violate the Order established in his owne house; and because of this Order, which Christ hath established, we judge, that all such persons, as suppose themselves moved by the Spirit, to teach publickly, in the Assemblies of the Saints, are moved by their own spirit, and not by the Spirit of God, who is a God of order, and not the Author of confusion; or rather by the Spirit of Satan, in contempt of Christs order.
10. He citeth 1 Cor. 14:31. Ye may all Prophesy: and thinketh that this was meaned of all, because Paul saith vers. 33. (he should say 39.) covet to Prophesie. But these all, were only the Prophets: for he had said vers. 29. let the Prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge; but that these two or three may not exclude the rest, he saith vers. 30. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace: And his reason is, vers. 31. for ye may all Prophesie, one by one, and againe vers. 32. the Spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets. To imagine then, that this was common to all the members, is to contradict the plaine scope of the place, and to do violence to the text; yea and to make the Apostle contradict himself; for he had told them that all were not Prophets, more then Apostles Chap. 12:29. And that which he citeth from vers. 39. can enforce nothing, but that it was their part to desire earnestly such offices whereby they might most edifie the Church, yet s…, as not to disparage others; therefore he addeth and forbid not to speak with tongues, and so, as not to evert the order of God's House; for he addeth vers. 40. Let all things be done decently and in order. And doth he not expresly prohibite woman to speak in the Churches vers. 34?
11. He next speaketh of Evangelists: and thinketh that all that preached the Gospel were such. Answ. It is true, these that wrote the History of the Gospel, are commonly called, in our language, Evangelists; and in some sense, all that preach the Gospel may be so denominated: But he knoweth, we are here speaking of a certain Officer, frequently mentioned, and called Evangelists, & that as distinct from others; even from Apostles, who being above them, might do their work, as we hinted above; and from ordinary Pastours and Teachers, &c. He should prove, if he could, that there was no such Officer, and that it was a meer Operation, that goeth under that name; and such an Operation, as was common to all Church members. As for the Apostles, of whom he speaketh next, though the name, as to its etymology, may denote one sent; yet he knoweth, that it is in a special manner given unto those, whom Christ sent forth, who at first were twelve in number, and after Judas's death, were againe made twelve by the election of Matthias, to whom at length Paul was added, and some suppose Barnabas also; and though, he seeth, we make no strick limitation, as fixed unto the number, yet we hold, that they were distinct and superiour Officers, named with with a first 1 Cor. 12:28. But he most boldly and impudently saith Pag. 207. That they were not distinct officers, but only names. What? did God set Names in the Church? did Christ, when he ascended, give only Names to the Church? What names were they? Such names, as the Scripture diversly useth to express the more eminent emanations and influences of divine grace, sayes he. But why doth he not give instances of this diverse use of the word? Why doth Paul so often stile himself, an Apostle? Why doth he so carefully vindicate his Apostolick office, chiefly in his Epistles to the Corinthians? What may not that man dar to do, who dar thus play with the Scriptures? It is (saith he further) as if some now should call him an Evangelist, who had converted some heathen Nation, as the Iesuites call their Emissaries to the Indians and to Iapon, Apostles; and as Iohn Knox was frequently called the Apostle of Scotland. Ans. This is so far from helping, that it quite overthroweth his designes; (not to mention, how absurd it is, to reason from mens abusive language, and usage of words, to the affixing of such an Abusive sense, to the same words, used in Scripture, contrare to the whole intendment of the Spirit of God, in the places, where these words are used) for, (not once to take notice of the Jesuitical perversion) such expressions, being used by way of allusion, because of some resemblance, in some one point or other, which the work of these of late, had, or might have, with what the Apostles & Evangelists did of old, do evidently say, that there were such Officers, in the primitive times, to whom these names did most properly appertaine; and that these names did point out, certain, knowne and distinct Officers; and not emanations of divine grace; as this man saith, who speaketh he knoweth not what; but cannot speak ill enough, against Christ's Ordinances.
12. From this, he concludeth very learnedly and candidely, That Ministers Pastors, and Doctors designe only one office, and that there is no precedency among them; by vertue of any distinct office, which is proved by others against the diocesan prelacy Ans. (1.) What sayes this to other Superiour and Extraordinary Officers, which were in the primi…ive times, such as Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists? (2.) What saith this to other Ordinary and Inferiour Officers, such as Elders and Deacons? (3.) What doth all this say to the point in hand? Be these one, or be they diverse; yet this is certane, they are Officers, and Officers clothed with authority, and power, and have their work committed to them, and are distinguished from the flock, over which they are set; and every one of the flock, may not, as his owne Spirit movet… him, encroach upon their office, and assume their work, to the overturning of all Order, established by Christ, and to the rendering of Offices appointed by him null, and of no effect: Which is the designe this man driveth at, and the only intendment of his discourse here.
13. But §. 26. pag. 207. Though he plead for liberty of prophesying by the Spirit, unto all, when they are moved thereunto; yet he sayes, the Quakers believe and affirme, that there are some more especially called to the work of the Ministrie, whose work is constantly and particularly to instruct, exhort and watch, to whom such obedience and subjection is due, as is held forth Heb. 13: vers. 17. 1 Thes. 5: vers. 12, 13. 1 Tim. 15: vers. 17. 1 Pet. 5: vers. 5. Answ. (1.) In this pleading for liberty of prophesying, he joyneth with Socinians and Arminians, his old friends, whom he hath no will to forsake, in such an advantagious point: but we have showne above, that this liberty destroyeth the Office; for if the work be common, there needeth no Office be appointed for that work; and if there be an Office for that work, no man must meddle with the work belonging to that Office, who is not clothed with the Office. What way are these men more peculiarly called, than others? Others, we heard, were placed in the ministrie and ordained of God, when moved to the work, and were to be obeyed and subjected unto, as such, according to these places of Scripture, now cited. Why doth he not show us, wherein this peculiarity consisteth? Whether is it in some thing inward, or in something outward? if inward; what can it be more, than Gods calling and ordaining? if outward; Is it imposition of hands of the Presbytery; or a potestative mission, by Church Officers? (3.) But he sayes, They are more fitted and fournished, than others. True, yet this is not before the call, but after it, and a consequence of the call; for he sayes, and therefore they are more fitted, to wit, because peculiarly called; and wherein this peculiar call consists, I would know. (4.) He tels us also, that their work is, more constantly and particularly to instruct &c. But can they instruct at any time, without a special motion of the Spirit? if they can, why doth he inveigh against our Officers for doing the same? If they cannot, how can this be said to be more their work, than it is the work of others, who do the same, upon the like motion? or doth their special Call consist in their receiving more frequent motion, than others? But this speaks only of more work, but nothing of a distinct Office. So that all this concession of his is just nothing (5.) I would know, if these specially called persons, be wholly separated for that work; and that statedly, and fixedly, so as they are in all time coming looked upon, regarded and submitted unto, as officers over others; and how this work of separating of them is done? Beside these he tels us also of Elders, who albeit they be not frequently called to declare themselves in words (by this I suppose, he meaneth their way of preaching) yet having had experience of the work of truth on their hearts, they watch over and privatly instruct the younger. Ans. But yet if the Spirit move them, they may, they must, do this in Publick too. (2.) we heard before, that this experience, or something like, was all that he gave us, for a call to the highest imployment. (3.) whatever these Elders be, they are not the Scripture Elders; for these are apponted for Government or Ruleing the Church, hence called Governments 1 Cor. 12:29, and said to Rule 1 Tim. 4:17. Rom. 12:8. (4.) He confoundeth these Elders with deacons, telling us that they care for the poor, widowes, & orphanes. Nay more, he sayes, they take care that peace, unity, concord, and love and health be preserved in the Church. But what way is this done? And how are they called hereunto? And whether doth all this declare them to be distinct Officers, or not? and over the people, or not? And whether, is this their peculiar work, that others of the common people may not meddle with? Let him answere these, and reconcile himself with himself, when he is at leasure.
14. But Pag. 208. he tels us, that they refuse that distinction of laicks and cleargy. And knoweth he not, that we disapprove these termes? But the thing that they refuse, is That none, (as he speaketh) should be admitted to the work of the Ministrie, but who are educated in schooles, and instructed in logick, &c. and he who is thus educated must not learne another honest tread, for his leaving. But why doth it offend them, that men take paines to be instructed and qualified for the work; and that none be admitted, but such as are qualified? It seemeth that the work of the Ministrie is a light business with them; & may be discharged by such, as have no learning or qualifications; but why then did the Lord qualifie his Apostles, by teaching them several yeers, and by extraordinary infusion of knowledge? It seemeth they would have all waiting for such miracles now: but we must first see a warrand; and seing experience tels us, that the Lord doth not take this way now, why are they offended, that we use ordinary meanes for attaining to knowledge? (2.) He may know, if he will, that we exclude none from the Ministrie, if they be qualified, though they have not learned their philosophy, &c. at ordinary schooles. (3.) As for their learning of an honest trade, we finde none of the Apostles doing so, after they were called to that work; and we look upon the work of the Ministrie, as such as will take up the whole man, and his whole time, if he be faithful and diligent. And yet some men have learned physick, after they have been Ministers, that they might be helpful to the poor; and no man condemneth this, providing that thereby they take not occasion to neglect the Ministrie, which is of greater consequence.
15. But hereby, sayes he, it cometh to passe, that Parents, seeing what honour and gaine attendeth the Ministrie, assigne their children to that office from their Infancy, and educat them thereunto of purpose, &c. That Parents dedicat their children to the service of God, cannot be condemned: if they do it, upon a corrupt designe, and as moved by the corrupt ends, that is but their owne fault. Those (sayes he) being educated in pleasure and idleness, think it below them afterward to work with their hands, satisfying themselves to bring out of books, what they may Preach. Ans. Who ever think serious study an easie work, is not acquanted with it. And if a Minister think he hath time enough to follow an ordinary calling, he knoweth neither the weight, nor the worth of the Ministrie. He that must bring all his preaching alwayes out of books, must either preach seldome, or he will finde little time to follow another trade. But all these things, and what he saith further of corruption, in admitting corrupt and carnal men into the Ministrie, is nothing to the purpose in hand; for no sober man will approve such corruptions; And yet we need not run away to the Quakers way of prizing extemporary non sensical discourses, after self motions, and self impulses, as the whole work of the Ministrie. But sayes he next Pag. 209. when men are not admitted to the Ministrie, that are not so and so licentiat, according to their rules, the Spirit is exstinguished and prophecies are despised, contrare to 1 Thes. 5:19, 20. Ans. What Papists do, in this, I regard not: Protestants will I suppose, not refuse to admit any man, to the Ministrie, that is found after tryal really qualified, upon any such account; howbeit the places by him cited be ill applied: but we must not stand upon every punctilio, but shall go on.