all men for fings
1 Tim. Land
Thirdly. The office stor
which the Lord haths instituted
evident from the command
tles, and in them to af
of the Father, and of
Likewise, for late recared of the land that
delivered unto you, that the Land James the
which he was betrayed, e

word of the Lord, revealed by the writings of the pro-
phets and the apostles; and apply the same as well in
general as in particular, to the edification of the hearers;
instructing, admonishing, comforting, and reproving, ac-
cording to every one's need; preaching repentance to
wards God, and reconciliation with him through faith in
Christ; and refuting with the Holy Scriptures, all
schisms and heresies which are repugnant to the pure
doctrine. All this is clearly signified to us in holy writ,
for the Apostle Paul saith, that these labour in the word;
and elsewhere he teacheth, that this must be done accord
ing to the measure or rule of faith; he writes also, that a
pastor must hold fast and rightly divide the faithful and
sincere word which is according to the doctrine: likewise,
he that prophesieth (that is, preacheth God's word) speak
eth unto men to edification, and exhortation and comfort:
in another place he proposes himself as a pattern to pas
tors, declaring that he hath publicly, and from house to
house taught and testified repentance towards God, and
faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ: but particularly
we have a clear description of the office, and ministers
of God's word, 2 Corinth. chap. 5. 18, 19, and 20th verses,
where the Apostle thus speaketh, "And all things are of
God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ,
and hath given to us (namely, to the apostles and pastors)
the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was, in
Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing
their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us
the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassa-
dors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us;
we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
Concerning the refutation of false doctrine, the same
apostle saith, Tit. 1. 9, "That a minister must hold fast
the faithful word of God, that he may be able by sound
doctrine, both to exhort and convince the gainsayers."

Finally, it is the duty of the minister keep the church of God in pood diser it in such a manter as the Lord hath o having spoke of the Christian apostles, whatsoever ye shall bint in heaven And Paul will have t to rule their own house, since can provide for, nor role the c reason why the pastors are of God, and bishops, that is they have the oversight they are conversant, to the transacted with good or open and shut, with the Committed to them. 7 by God.

From these thin work the ministe effected by it; salvation, whic have che when he ser function, L the warl office (F

Secondly. It is the office of the ministers, publicly to call upon the name of the Lord in behalf of the whole congregation; for that which the apostles say, we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word, is common to these pastors with the apostles; to which St. Paul alluding, thus speaketh to Timothy: "I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for

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all men; for kings, and for all that are a Bularity 1 Tim. 2. 1 and 2.

Thirdly. Their office is, to administer he seramen which the Lord hath instituted as seals us guras evident from the command given by Cantat o be one tles, and in them to all pastors bootice ben

of the Father, and of the Son, cat of the town

Likewise, for I have received of the Lord hat much dia? delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the mine ag. i a which he was betrayed, &e.

Finally, it is the duty of the ministers of the with. "a keep the church of God in good discipline, me a BUFET it in such a manner as the Lord hath nainen: fran having spoke of the Christian discipline, ava apostles, whatsoever ye shall wind on carch, shall se vrać in heaven. And Paul will have the ministers met my to rule their own house, since they otherwise seither can provide for, nor rule the church of God. Tuse he reason why the pastors are in scripture called, dotar a of God, and bishops, that is overseers and steamea. they have the oversight of the house of God, wherein they are conversant, to the end, that every thing may se transacted with good order and decency; and lea open and shut, with the keys of the kingdom of heaven committed to them, according to the charge given hem by God.

From these things may be learned, what a glorione work the ministerial office is, since so great things we effected by it; yea, how highly necessary it is for man's salvation, which is also the reason why the Lord wil have such an office always to remain: for Christ mid when he sent forth his apostles to officiate in this noly function, Lo, I am always with you, even unto the end of the world; where we see his pleasure is, that this holy office (for the persons to whom he here meaketh, conid not live to the end of the world) should always be maintained on earth. And therefore Paul exhorteth Timothy, to commit that which he had heard of him, to faithful mea, who are able to teach others, as he also, having ordained Titus minister, further commanded him, to ordain elders in every city. Tit. 1.5.

Forasmuch, therefore as we, for the maintaining of this office in the church of God, are now to ordain a new min

ister of the word, and having sufficiently spoke of the office of such persons, therefore you N. shall answer to the following questions, which shall be proposed to you, to the end that it may appear to all here present, that you are inclined to accept of this office as above described.

First. I ask thee, whether thou feelest in thy heart that thou art lawfully called of God's church, and therefore of God himself, to this holy ministry?

Secondly. Whether thou dost believe the books of the old and new testament to be the only word of God, and the perfect doctrine unto salvation, and dost reject all doctrines repugnant thereto?

Thirdly. Whether thou dost promise faithfully to discharge thy office, according to the same doctrine as above described, and to adorn it with a godly life: also, to submit thyself in case thou shouldest become delinquent either in life or doctrine, to ecclesiastical admonition, according to the public ordinance of the churches?

Answer. Yes, truly, with all my heart.

Then the Minister, who did demand those questions of him, and other Ministers who are present, shall lay their hands* on his head, and say,

GOD our heavenly Father, who hath called thee to this holy ministry, enlighten thee with his Holy Spirit, strengthen thee with his hand, and so govern thee in thy ministry, that thou mayest decently and fruitfully walk therein, to the glory of his name, and the propagation of the kingdom of his Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Then the Minister shall, from the pulpit, exhort the ordained Minister, and the congregation, in the following

manner:

"TAKE heed, therefore, beloved brother, and fellowservant in Christ, unto yourself and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseer, to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood: love Christ, and feed his sheep, taking the oversight of them not by constraint, but willingly: not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, neither as being lord

* This ceremony shall not be used in ordaining those who have before been in the ministry.

over God's heritage, but as an example to the flock. Be an example of believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, meditate upon those things, give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all: take heed to thy doctrine, and continue steadfast therein. Bear patiently all sufferings, and oppressions, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, thou shalt receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."

"And you likewise, beloved Christians, receive this your minister in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such in reputation:' Remember that God himself through him speaketh unto and beseecheth you. Receive the word, which he, according to the scripture, shall preach unto you, not as the word of man, but (as it is in truth) the word of God.' Let the feet of those, that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things, be beautiful and pleasant unto you. Obey them that have the rule over you, and, submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. If you do these things, it shall come to pass, that the peace of God shall enter into your houses, and that you who receive this man in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet's reward, and through his preaching, believing in Christ, shall through Christ inherit life eternal."

Since no man is of himself fit for any of these things, let us call upon God with thanksgiving:

MERCIFUL Father, we thank thee that it pleaseth thee, by the ministry of men, to gather a church to thyself unto life eternal, from amongst the lost children of men: we bless thee for so graciously providing the church in this place with a faithful minister, we beseech thee to qualify him daily more and more by the holy spirit, for the ministry to which thou hast ordained and called him: enlighten his understanding to comprehend thy holy word, and give him utterance, that he may boldly open his mouth, to make known and dispense the mysteries of the gospel. Endue him with wisdom and valour, to rule

the people aright over which he is set, and to preserve them in Christian peace, to the end that thy church under his administration and by his good example, may increase in number and in virtue. Grant him courage to bear the difficulties and troubles which he may meet with in his ministry, that being strengthened by the comfort of thy spirit, he may remain steadfast to the end, and be received with all faithful servants into the joy of his master. Give thy grace also to this people and church, that they may becomingly deport themselves towards this their minister; that they may acknowledge him to be sent of thee; that they may receive his doctrine with all reverence, and submit themselves to his exhortations. To the end that they may, by his word, believing in Christ, be made partakers of eternal life. Hear us, O Father, through thy beloved Son, who hath thus taught us to pray-OUR FATHER, &c.

THE FORM

FOR ORDAINING ELDERS AND DEACONS,

When ordained at the same time. But if they are ordained separately, this form shall be used as occasion requires.

BELOVED Christians, you know that we have several times published unto you the names of our brethren here present, who are chosen to the office of elders and deacons in this church, to the end that we might know whether any person had aught to allege, why they should not be ordained in their respective offices; and whereas no one hath appeared before us, who hath alleged any thing lawful against them, we shall therefore at present, in the name of the Lord, proceed to their ordination.

But first, you, who are to be ordained, and all those who are here present, shall attend to a short declaration from the word of God concerning the institution and the office of elders and deacons: of the elders is to be observed, that the word elder or eldest (which is taken out of the old testament, and signifieth a person who is placed in an honourable office of government over others) is applied to two sorts of persons who administer in the church