pet, thereneedeti- no other principal efficient caúfe then the Willof fetusChrift ; nor anyother Inffrumental Efficient , but what is of ufe to the fignifyingof hú will: So that it is but in the nature of figns that they areNeceffary. No more there- fore is of Abfolute Neceffity, but what is fo neceffary tofignifie his will. If Chrifls will may be fignified withoutOrdination, a man may beaMinifler' withoutit : ( Though in otherrefpecs he may be culpable in his entrance, by crofïing thewill ofChrift concerning his duty in the manner ofhis proceedings.) Se&. 4. There is confiderable in the Minifiry, t . Beneficium. 2. Officium. Y. The Gofpel, pardon, falvation-Ordinances are thofegreat Benefits to the Ionsof men, which the Miniftery is to be a means of conveying to them : And is it fell a Benefit as it is the means of thefe Benefits. In this refpe& the Minifiry is a gift of Chrift to the Church,and his Donation is the neceffary aft for their Miniflration. But of this gift the Church is the fubje&. °Fiegiveth Paflors to his Church. z. But in conjun- &ion with the Churches Mercies, theMiniffer him fell alto par- takes ofmercy : It is a double Benefit tohim to be both recep- tive with them ofthe bletfingof the Gofpel,and tobe infirumen- tall for them in the conveyance , and tobe fo much exercifed'in fo fweetand honourable,thoughflefh- difpleafingand endanger - ing work. As in giving Alms, the giveris the double receiver; and in all works forGod , the greatefl Duties are the greaten Benefits;fo is it here. And thus themakingofa Minifier is a Do- nation or a&of bounty to himfelf. Chrift giveth to us the. Office of the Minifiry, as he givethus in thatoffice to theChurch. As a Commanders place in an Army isa place of Trutt and Honour and Reward and fo the matter ofa gift , though the work be to fight and venture life. Se&. 5. TheDuty ofthe Minifler is caufedby an Obligation; and that is the part of a Precept of Chrift : And thusChrifts command to us todohis workBoth make Miniflers. Sea. 6. From the workwhich the Minifiers are to perform, and the command ofObedience laid upon the people,arifeth their duty, in fubmif.ion to him, and Reception of his Minifterial work; And in Relation to them that are to obeyhim, his office is a fuperiour `feachineRuling Power, and fo is to be caufed by Commiflion fromChrift,as thefountainofPower thatis to com- mandboth PaftorandPeople. Sect
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