Baxter - Houston-Packer Collection BX5151 .B3 1659

ßz66) they are fewer, and have lef er perverting interefts,and therefóre are like tobe lefs divided in fuch determinations, then the people that are fo many, and of fo many interefi s and minds, that if it were not for the Moderation of Magiflrates and Minifters, they would almolt everywhere be all to pieces, one being for one man,and another for another ; fome for one of this mind and way , and fome for one of another ; fome for the Orthodox, and fome for the Heretical. 5. Laftly, it is Minifters, whole Office Godbath tyed Ordination to, and who have time to wait upon it as their duty : fo that lay all this together, and I think the firft Propofition is proved, for the Nrceflity (ordinarily ) of the Pallors Approbation , and the finfulnefs of negieft- ing Se &. 39. Prop. 2. I t is not only the Pallors of one articu- lar Church, but alfo the Paftors of Neighbour- chuches that hold Communion with that Church, that fhould regularly Ap- prove or Ordain Minifters : though I deny not but he may be a Minilter that bath, no Ordination but by the Paftors of a particular Church , yet I conceive that this is not a regular courfe. Se&. 4o. My reafons are theta. t. Becaufe if itbe ordinarily tyed to the Pallors of the fame Church only to Ordain, then it will be done ordinarily without any Pallors at all. For molt particular Churches in the world havebut one Pallor: and when he is dead, there is none left toOrdain ; and therefore others or none mutt do it in fuchcafes. See. 41. And z. If there beone lefr, and all the power be left in him, thewelfareof the Church would run too great an hazzard : if every man (hall be Ordained a Minifter that can procure the Approbation of a tinglePallor, the Church will be fubje&ed tomolt of the lamentable mileries before mentioned, fiappcfing that men were judges for themfelves. Sett. 42. And 3. We find in Scripture, that it was not the way appointed by the Holy Ghoft, for Engle Paftors to Ordain. The forecitedTexts and examples are a.fuficient proof. Se& 43 If any lay, that the Ruling Elders may concur, I anfwer, Though I make no great matter of it, nor would not raite a contention aboutit, yet I mull, fay, that I -never yet taw any fatisfaetory proof, that ever God, did inftitute fuch Elders _ as

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