§. XIV.
From all this then we do firmly conclude, that not only in a general Apostasy it is needful Men be extraordinarily called, and raised up by the Spirit of God, but that even when several Assemblies or Churches are gathered by the Power of God, not only into the Belief of the Principles of Truth, so as to deny Errors and Heresies, but also into the Life, Spirit, and Power of Christianity, so as to be the Body and House of Christ indeed, and a fit Spouse for him, True Ministers Qualifications, Call and Title.that he who gathers them doth also, for the preserving them in a lively, fresh, and powerful Condition, raise up and move among them by the inward immediate Operation of his own Spirit, Ministers and Teachers, to instruct and teach, and watch over them, who being thus called, are manifest in the Hearts of their Brethren, and their Call is thus verified in them, who by the feeling of that Life and Power that passeth through them, being inwardly builded up by them daily in the most holy Faith, become the Seals of their Apostleship. And this is answerable to another Saying of the same Apostle Paul, 2 Cor. xiii. 3. Their laying on of Hands a Mock to God and Man; a keeping the Shadow, whilst the Substance is wanting.Since ye seek a Proof of Christ’s Speaking in me, which to you-wards is not weak, but is mighty in you. So this is that which gives a true substantial Call and Title to a Minister, whereby he is a real Successor of the Virtue, Life, and Power that was in the Apostles, and not of the bare Name: And to such Ministers we think the outward Ceremony of Ordination; or laying on of Hands not necessary, neither can we see the Use of it, seeing our Adversaries who use it acknowledge that the Virtue and Power of communicating the Holy Ghost by it is ceased among them. And is it not then foolish and ridiculous for them, by an apish Imitation, to keep up the Shadow, where the Substance is wanting? And may not they by the same Rule, where they see blind and lame Men, in Imitation of Christ and his Apostles, bid them see and walk? Yea, is it not in them a Mocking of God and Men, to put on their Hands, and bid them receive the Holy Ghost, while they believe the Thing impossible, and confess that that Ceremony hath no real Effect? Having thus far spoken of the Call, I shall proceed next to treat of the Qualifications and Work of a true Minister.