§. XXVI.
Answ. 2.As to the first Part of the Objection, viz. That I seem to make no Distinction betwixt the Minister and People, I answer, Liberty to prophesy all have, by the Spirit.If it be understood of a Liberty to speak or prophesy by the Spirit, I say all may do that, when moved thereunto, as above is shewn; but we do believe and affirm that some are more particularly called to the Work of the Ministry, and therefore are fitted of the Lord for that Purpose; whose Work is more constantly and particularly to instruct, exhort, admonish, oversee, and watch over their Brethren; and that as there is something more incumbent upon them in that Respect than upon every common Believer, so also, as in that Relation, there is due to them from the Flock such Obedience and Subjection as is mentioned in these Testimonies of the Scripture, Heb. xiii. 17. 1 Thess. v. 12, 13. 1 Tim. v. 17. 1 Pet. v. 5. Also besides these who are thus particularly called to the Ministry, and constant Labour in the Word and Doctrine, there are also the Elders, who though they be not moved to a frequent Testimony by Way of Declaration in Words, The Elders take Care for the Widows, the Poor and Fatherless.yet as such are grown up in the Experience of the blessed Work of Truth in their Hearts, they watch over and privately admonish the Young, take Care for the Widows, the Poor, and Fatherless, and look that nothing be wanting, but that Peace, Love, Unity, Concord, and Soundness be preserved in the Church of Christ; and this answers to the Deacons mentioned Acts vi.
The Distinction of Clergy and Laity not to be found in Scripture.That which we oppose, is the Distinction of Laity and Clergy, which in the Scripture is not to be found, whereby none are admitted unto the Work of the Ministry but such as are educated at Schools on Purpose, and instructed in Logick and Philosophy, &c. and so are at their Apprenticeship to learn the Art and Trade of Preaching, even as a Man learns any other Art, whereby all other honest mechanick Men, who have not got this Heathenish Art, are excluded from having this Privilege. And so he that is a Scholar thus bred up must not have any honest Trade whereby to get him a Livelihood, if he once intend for the Ministry, but he must see to get him a Place, and then he hath his set Hire for a Livelihood to him. Their Garb.He must also be distinguished from the rest by the Colour of his Clothes; for he must only wear Black, and must be a Master of Arts: But more of this hereafter.