Baxter - Houston-Packer Collection BX5151 .B3 1659

CI Sea. 40. And this will be made apparent, z. From the com- mon natureofall fuch-fubfequential Inveftitures and inaugurati- ons , which are neceffary to full poffeffion and exercife of Power fometimes , but not to the firft being of it , nor to the exercife neither in cafes ofNeceffity, when the Inveftiture can - not conveniently be had. Se&. 4I. Ordination (as to the Inveffingaâ) is noother- wife neceffary to the Miniftry , then Coronation to a King, or lifting to a Souldiour, or folemn inveftiture and takinghis Oath to a Judge, or other Magiftrate, &c. But thefe are only the folemnentranceupon Po(fefiion andexercife of Power, fuppo- finga füfficient Title antecedent ; and in cafes of Neceffity, may be unneccffary themfelves ; and therefore fo is it here as a like cafe. Se&.'42. z. Ifwant of Invefiture in cafes of Neceffity will not excufe the determinateperfon from the burden of the Minifterial work , then will it not prove himdeftitute oftheMi- nitlerial Authority ( For every man hath Authority todo his Duty, in that he is obliged to it ;) But the Antecedent is plain; Ifonce I know by certain figns that I am a man that Chrift re- quireth to be imployed in his work, I durft not totally forbear it, in a cafe of fuch exceedingmoment, for want of the regular admittance, when it cannot be had ; while I know that the work is the End,and the Ordination is but the means ; and the means may promote the end, but mull not be pleaded against the 'End, nor todeltroy it ; it being indeed no Means, when it is againft the end. Ordination is for the Minifiry and theMinifterial Office for the Work, and the Work for Gods honour and tacos falvation : And therefore Godmutt be ferved, and men mull be faved , and the Miniftry to thofe ends mutt be ufed, whether therebe Ordination tobe had or not. Neceffity may be laid upon us, without Ordination and then woe to us if we preach not the Gofpel. TheLaw can make Dutywithout an Ordainer. Se&. 43. If this were not f9, a lazy perfon that is Able for the Miniftry, might by pleafing or bribing the Ordainers , be exempted from abundance ofduty and efcape the danger of Guilt and Judgement upon his Omiffion. And truly the bur- den is fo great to flefhand blood, if menbe faithful in their Of- fice, r

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