conclusion_n than_o be_v that_o such_o ability_n be_v or_o have_v late_o be_v &_o have_v a_o good_a warrant_n for_o their_o use_n and_o exercise_n which_o we_o make_v good_a as_o follow_v arg._n 4_o if_o man_n may_v not_o employ_v their_o strength_n and_o ability_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n without_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n miracle_n and_o immediate_a commission_n or_o a_o ordination_n by_o lineal_a succession_n then_o be_v not_o only_o the_o moral_a law_n make_v void_a which_o bind_v man_n to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o strength_n and_o ability_n but_o also_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o ability_n of_o man_n be_v render_v useless_a and_o insignificant_a in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n viz._n the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n upon_o which_o we_o argue_v that_o principle_n which_o undermine_v and_o make_v void_a the_o design_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n major_n major_n and_o render_v the_o best_a and_o great_a ability_n of_o man_n useless_a and_o insignificant_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v absurd_a and_o dangerous_a not_o to_o be_v receive_v but_o that_o principle_n that_o deny_v authorty_n to_o man_n to_o be_v minister_n minor_n minor_n do_v so_o ergo._n arg._n 5_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a for_o man_n to_o improve_v their_o high_a strain_n major_n major_n of_o knowledge_n and_o skill_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o in_o thing_n civil_a and_o mechanical_a than_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a for_o man_n to_o do_v so_o in_o thing_n celestial_a and_o evangelical_n if_o i_o may_v teach_v a_o man_n to_o learn_v his_o trade_n to_o buy_v his_o clothes_n to_o get_v his_o live_n to_o build_v and_o furnish_v a_o house_n for_o his_o conveniency_n of_o temporal_a life_n doutless_o i_o may_v if_o able_a teach_v man_n to_o know_v christ_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o get_v salvation_n minor_n minor_n but_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a for_o man_n to_o improve_v the_o high_a strain_n of_o knowledge_n and_o skill_n in_o matter_n civil_a and_o mechanical_a ergo._n arg._n 6_o if_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a and_o warrantable_a for_o man_n to_o improve_v their_o high_a strain_n oâ—_n knowledge_n and_o skill_n in_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n major_n major_n then_o be_v thâ—y_a under_o no_o obligation_n to_o improve_v their_o talent_n minor_n minor_n but_o man_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o improve_v their_o talent_n ergo._n arg._n 7_o if_o man_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o improve_v their_o talent_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o they_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o neighbour_n but_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v both_o according_a to_o power_n and_o opportunity_n ergo._n arg._n 8_o if_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o according_a to_o power_n and_o opportunity_n then_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o neglect_v both_o but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o neglect_v both_o ergo._n arg._n 9_o if_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n not_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o man_n according_a to_o power_n and_o opportunity_n then_o be_v not_o man_n accountable_a for_o it_o but_o man_n be_v accountable_a for_o it_o ergo._n arg._n 10_o if_o man_n be_v not_o accountable_a for_o the_o none_o service_n of_o god_n and_o man_n according_a as_o aforesaid_a then_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o it_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o it_o ergo_fw-la mat._n 25.41_o 42_o 43_o 44._o arg._n 11_o that_o which_o man_n have_v the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n require_v they_o have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v 4.10_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o but_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n require_v man_n to_o minister_v that_o have_v ability_n ergo_fw-la they_o have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v it_o eccl._n 9.10_o luk._n 19.13_o arg._n 12_o that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n major_n major_n man_n have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v phil._n 4.8_o 9_o minor_n minor_n but_o to_o minister_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v good_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n ergo_fw-la arg._n 13_o that_o which_o be_v useful_a profitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o major_n major_n man_n have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v but_o to_o minister_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v useful_a profitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o ergo_fw-la act_n 18.27_o arg._n 14_o what_o be_v most_o effectual_a for_o the_o suppress_n of_o sin_n major_n major_n man_n have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v minor_n minor_n but_o to_o minister_n be_v most_o effectual_a to_o suppress_v sin_n ergo._n arg._n 15_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o advance_v christ_n major_n major_n and_o comfort_v his_o church_n man_n have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v but_o to_o minister_v minor_n minor_n tend_v most_o thereto_o ergo._n arg._n 16_o that_o which_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a age_n lead_v to_o major_n major_n man_n have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v can._n 1.8_o phil._n 4.9_o but_o to_o minister_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n minor_n minor_n the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a age_n lead_v to_o ergo._n arg._n 17_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o season_n and_o keep_v the_o world_n from_o stink_a major_n major_n man_n have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v but_o a_o ministry_n tend_v thereto_o ergo_fw-la minor_n minor_n mat._n 5.13_o arg._n 18_o that_o which_o be_v most_o conducable_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n major_n major_n man_n have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v but_o a_o ministry_n be_v most_o conducable_a thereto_o ergo_fw-la luk._n 22.32_o minor_n minor_n arg._n 19_o that_o which_o keep_v the_o world_n from_o a_o universal_a detriment_n by_o a_o total_a eclipse_n major_n major_n man_n have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v but_o a_o ministry_n do_v so_o ergo_fw-la minor_n minor_n psal_n 43.3_o rom._n 2.19_o chap._n 13.12_o arg._n 20_o that_o which_o most_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n major_n major_n man_n have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v minor_n minor_n but_o a_o ministry_n most_o tend_v thereto_o ergo_fw-la 1_o thes_n 1.9_o arg._n 21_o if_o to_o teach_v the_o least_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v require_v and_o rewardable_a major_n major_n man_n have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v it_o minor_n minor_n but_o to_o teach_v the_o least_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v so_o ergo_fw-la mat._n 5.19_o arg._n 22_o where_o man_n have_v ability_n to_o exhort_v they_o have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v heb._n 3.12_o minor_n minor_n but_o man_n have_v ability_n to_o exhort_v ergo._n arg._n 23_o where_o man_n have_v ability_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n major_n major_n they_o have_v good_a authority_n to_o perform_v minor_n minor_n but_o man_n have_v so_o ergo_fw-la mat._n 24.45_o 46._o act_n 20.25_o arg._n 24_o if_o man_n have_v ability_n to_o build_v on_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n major_n major_n they_o have_v a_o good_a authority_n to_o perform_v jud._n 20._o arg._n 25_o if_o man_n have_v ability_n to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o best_a advantage_n against_o satan_n they_o have_v a_o good_a authority_n to_o perform_v eph._n 6.17_o arg._n 26_o if_o man_n have_v ability_n to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v a_o good_a authority_n to_o perform_v judas_n vers_fw-la 3._o arg._n 27_o if_o man_n have_v ability_n to_o prophesy_v they_o have_v a_o good_a authority_n to_o perform_v 1_o cor._n 14.31_o all_o may_v prophesy_v if_o in_o order_n and_o not_o in_o confusion_n arg._n 28_o if_o man_n can_v pluck_v firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n there_o be_v good_a warrant_n to_o perform_v judas_n 23._o vers_fw-la arg._n 29_o if_o man_n can_v separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a there_o be_v good_a warrant_n to_o perform_v jer._n 15.19_o arg._n 30_o if_o man_n can_v stand_v in_o god_n counsel_n there_o be_v good_a warrant_n to_o minister_v jer._n 23.21.22_o arg._n 31_o if_o man_n can_v strengthen_v under_o burden_n by_o a_o ministry_n there_o be_v good_a warrant_n to_o perform_v gal._n 6.2_o arg._n 32_o if_o man_n can_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o there_o be_v good_a warrant_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v for_o that_o be_v the_o very_a design_n of_o watchfulness_n arg._n 33_o if_o man_n can_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o there_o be_v good_a warrant_n to_o perform_v 1_o pet._n 3.15_o arg._n 34_o if_o woman_n have_v authority_n to_o minister_v according_a to_o ability_n and_o occasion_n though_o not_o in_o the_o church_n or_o to_o usurp_v than_o man_n have_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n but_o woman_n have_v ergo_fw-la tit._n 2.3_o 4._o act_n 18.26_o arg._n 35_o it_o a_o man_n shall_v do_v that_o which_o a_o ordinary_a ability_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a qualification_n to_o make_v he_o a_o good_a minister_n 1_o tim._n 4_o 6._o
his_o ministry_n unless_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o confession_n of_o sin_n repentance_n and_o own_v the_o mesiah_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n be_v to_o decrease_v than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o absurd_a to_o conclude_v we_o think_v and_o say_v further_o then_o with_o much_o more_o probability_n that_o not_o john_n ministry_n but_o the_o great_a fame_n and_o mastership_n of_o john_n be_v to_o decrease_v as_o to_o the_o have_v disciple_n call_v by_o his_o name_n the_o disciple_n of_o john_n and_o the_o like_a for_o after_o christ_n public_a entrance_n upon_o his_o ministry_n as_o john_n do_v point_n and_o direct_v man_n to_o christ_n as_o their_o chief_a leader_n so_o they_o be_v afterward_o teach_v by_o christ_n to_o call_v no_o man_n master_n but_o sole_o to_o own_v he_o and_o be_v call_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n not_o of_o john_n and_o for_o this_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v but_o for_o the_o other_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n than_o that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a it_o be_v sufficient_a but_o we_o further_o say_v to_o conclude_v john_n ministry_n be_v to_o decrease_v and_o be_v make_v null_a upon_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v plain_o show_v from_o this_o text_n and_o as_o it_o be_v very_o unsafe_a to_o violate_v and_o reject_v a_o sacred_a duty_n upon_o so_o uncertain_a a_o ground_n as_o a_o private_a interpretation_n of_o a_o particular_a text_n that_o the_o interpretation_n be_v for_o i_o and_o a_o stranger_n and_o therefore_o deserve_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o have_v no_o inheritance_n for_o the_o dispossess_v of_o john_n ministry_n which_o we_o dismiss_v with_o this_o argument_n arg._n 34_o those_o duty_n that_o have_v be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o many_o signal_n and_o weighty_a circumstance_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v violate_v or_o reject_v upon_o so_o slender_a a_o ground_n as_o the_o mere_a interpretation_n of_o a_o particular_a text._n but_o the_o baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o john_n have_v be_v so_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v ergo_fw-la the_o baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o john_n ought_v not_o after_o so_o slight_a and_o careless_a a_o manner_n to_o be_v reject_v and_o make_v void_a and_o as_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o christ_n mat._n 28._o we_o answer_v if_o any_o shall_v suppose_v that_o thereby_o the_o baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o john_n be_v make_v void_a 1_o that_o it_o do_v not_o plain_o appear_v from_o thence_o but_o be_v at_o most_o but_o interpretative_o so_o therefore_o unsafe_a to_o rely_v upon_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o a_o plain_a part_n or_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o that_o the_o commission_n aforesaid_a do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o john_n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o congruous_a to_o suppose_v that_o christ_n shall_v institute_v and_o set_v up_o one_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o enervate_a and_o make_v void_a another_o part_n of_o it_o which_o john_n baptism_n and_o ministry_n have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v 2._o it_o do_v not_o infallible_o appear_v that_o the_o baptism_n give_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o christ_n be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o john_n as_o to_o matter_n form_n and_o subject_n which_o be_v the_o main_a part_n of_o baptism_n and_o if_o there_o be_v some_o small_a difference_n in_o point_n of_o circumstance_n it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prepondrate_n and_o outweigh_v a_o plain_a and_o clear_a duty_n and_o there_o can_v no_o plain_a difference_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v betwixt_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o that_o give_v in_o our_o saviour_n commission_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o word_n viz._n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o amount_n to_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o set_v forth_o the_o existency_n of_o the_o trinity_n that_o three_o such_o be_v 2._o the_o capacity_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o trinity_n they_o be_v to_o baptise_v in_o their_o name_n which_o be_v a_o witness_n or_o testimony_n on_o the_o minister_n part_n and_o a_o subscription_n on_o the_o submitter_n part_n to_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o this_o holy_a trinity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o instruction_n of_o any_o other_o either_o as_o a_o three_o person_n to_o seclude_v any_o one_o of_o these_o or_o as_o a_o four_o to_o be_v equal_a with_o they_o in_o their_o unite_a dignity_n 3._o the_o work_n and_o operation_n they_o joint_o intend_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o and_o more_o than_o this_o be_v no_o subject_n of_o baptism_n bind_v to_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o or_o upon_o their_o baptism_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o be_v of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o dignity_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n the_o work_n and_o operation_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n in_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o these_o word_n be_v not_o use_v by_o john_n in_o the_o act_n of_o baptise_v yet_o the_o thing_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o his_o ministry_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n while_o the_o minister_n and_o submitter_n be_v together_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v affirm_v that_o john_n do_v in_o his_o baptism_n and_o ministry_n direct_v into_o the_o same_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o commission_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o baptise_v into_o viz._n the_o be_v dignity_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n do_v enjoin_v more_o in_o his_o great_a commission_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v make_v use_n of_o that_o very_a form_n of_o word_n in_o the_o act_n of_o baptise_v the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v that_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o yet_o appear_v the_o baptism_n contain_v in_o the_o commission_n be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o point_n with_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o therefore_o from_o thence_o appear_v no_o certain_a ground_n of_o a_o abrogation_n indeed_o our_o saviour_n do_v do_v three_o thing_n in_o reference_n to_o john_n baptism_n by_o his_o great_a commission_n 1_o he_o confirm_v it_o by_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o keep_v it_o up_o and_o carry_v it_o on_o 2_o he_o add_v perfection_n and_o clearness_n to_o it_o by_o his_o great_a authority_n his_o short_a and_o plain_a instruction_n about_o the_o design_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v his_o follower_n to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o thâ—ir_a submission_n to_o it_o 3_o he_o do_v further_o extend_v it_o by_o order_v of_o it_o into_o all_o the_o world_n which_o john_n do_v not_o do_v our_o result_n be_v that_o neither_o the_o word_n of_o john_n i_o must_v decrease_v nor_o the_o commission_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o baptise_v do_v fair_o make_v null_a the_o baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o john_n from_o whence_o we_o offer_v this_o argument_n arg._n 35_o that_o which_o be_v fair_o and_o infallible_o prove_v once_o to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o man_n duty_n ought_v not_o without_o a_o fair_a and_o infallible_a ground_n to_o be_v account_v null_a and_o void_a but_o the_o baptism_n and_o ministration_n of_o john_n be_v fair_o and_o infallible_o prove_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o man_n duty_n ergo_fw-la it_o ought_v not_o without_o the_o like_a ground_n to_o be_v account_v null_a and_o void_a and_o if_o any_o shall_v still_o oppose_v what_o have_v be_v contend_v for_o i_o shall_v only_o state_n this_o question_n to_o be_v debate_v with_o they_o and_o end_v this_o first_o point_n by_o two_o short_a argument_n quest_n whether_o the_o baptism_n command_v by_o god_n administer_v by_o john_n submit_v to_o by_o jesus_n and_o after_o his_o death_n own_a and_o practise_v by_o his_o extraordinary_a minister_n be_v put_v a_o end_n to_o or_o make_v null_a arg._n 36_o if_o the_o baptism_n and_o ministry_n of_o john_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n repute_v and_o own_a to_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n then_o it_o be_v in_o force_n still_o but_o it_o be_v so_o ergo_fw-la act_n 18.25_o 26._o arg._n 37_o if_o baptism_n with_o water_n be_v not_o in_o force_n still_o as_o well_o as_o other_o part_n of_o john_n ministry_n than_o it_o be_v somewhere_o exempt_v but_o baptism_n with_o water_n be_v not_o where_o exempt_v ergo._n and_o now_o let_v we_o see_v if_o we_o can_v find_v a_o administrator_n in_o this_o enquiry_n after_o a_o minister_n we_o will_v propose_v three_o thing_n 1._o to_o state_n what_o a_o minister_n be_v in_o his_o make_n and_o constitution_n 2._o what_o do_v warrant_v he_o to_o act_n or_o perform_v the_o work_n and_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n 3._o and_o then_o put_v it_o upon_o this_o fair_a issue_n viz._n
they_o in_o all_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a point_n and_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_v and_o constitution_n of_o a_o minister_n than_o where_o these_o be_v may_v the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v answer_v in_o all_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o convince_v enemy_n 2._o to_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o build_v upon_o for_o life_n 3._o to_o refute_v grand_a and_o fundamental_a error_n 4._o to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o teachable_a and_o well_o dispose_v hearer_n 5._o to_o feed_v god_n household_n and_o build_v up_o his_o house_n 6._o to_o diffuse_v light_a so_o as_o to_o leave_v the_o obstinate_a without_o excuse_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n i_o think_v all_o will_v agree_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o the_o ministrey_n upon_o which_o supposition_n that_o where_o there_o be_v such_o ability_n or_o qualification_n there_o be_v a_o true_a minister_n in_o his_o make_n and_o constitution_n we_o enlarge_v no_o further_o upon_o that_o but_o descend_v to_o the_o second_o proposition_n viz._n quest_n what_o do_v warrant_v such_o a_o one_o to_o act_n or_o perform_v the_o work_n and_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n answ_n two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a to_o a_o minister_n warrant_v for_o administration_n first_o the_o will_n of_o god_n require_v to_o do_v good_a according_a to_o his_o ability_n second_o the_o necessity_n and_o regular_a choice_n of_o a_o people_n call_v for_o it_o who_o be_v to_o judge_n of_o his_o ability_n and_o their_o own_o necessity_n and_o where_o the_o will_n of_o god_n require_v the_o necessity_n and_o regular_a choice_n of_o the_o people_n do_v call_v let_v a_o man_n refuse_v at_o his_o own_o peril_n but_o though_o a_o man_n ability_n do_v fit_a the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v do_v warrant_n yet_o if_o the_o people_n do_v not_o approve_v consent_n &_o make_v a_o regular_a choice_n the_o person_n fit_v be_v free_a not_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v and_o the_o sin_n if_o any_o be_v must_v lie_v at_o the_o people_n door_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n now_o depend_v in_o some_o place_n person_n of_o good_a and_o in_o other_o thought_n of_o very_o valuable_a ability_n be_v blame_v and_o charge_v with_o sin_n for_o not_o improve_n their_o talent_n when_o all_o this_o while_n the_o salt_n be_v in_o the_o people_n who_o do_v never_o regular_o and_o solemn_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v call_v they_o forth_o to_o that_o employment_n but_o because_o this_o may_v be_v think_v a_o digression_n we_o return_v to_o our_o task_n and_o undertake_v to_o prove_v a_o warrantableness_n for_o a_o improvement_n of_o ability_n from_o these_o consideration_n cons_n 1_o that_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n leave_v we_o upon_o divine_a record_n do_v require_v all_o person_n in_o all_o time_n even_o till_o christ_n come_v and_o in_o respect_n to_o all_o thing_n to_o improve_v their_o talent_n or_o ability_n whatsoever_o thou_o find_v in_o thy_o hand_n to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n occupy_n till_o i_o come_v and_o as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n so_o let_v he_o administer_v as_o a_o good_a steward_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o all_o our_o might_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v not_o only_o strong_o bind_v but_o perpetual_a eccl._n 9.10_o luk._n 19.13_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o cons_n 2_o that_o this_o requirement_n be_v of_o equal_a force_n and_o validity_n with_o a_o immediate_a commission_n on_o earth_n or_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n 2_o pet._n 1.18.19_o 20._o cons_n 3_o that_o there_o be_v a_o apostolical_a toleration_n for_o it_o 1_o cor._n 14.31_o cons_n 4_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o world_n do_v call_v aloud_o for_o it_o luk._n 10.2_o cons_n 5_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a usefulness_n and_o conveniency_n in_o it_o for_o light_n and_o salt_n to_o the_o world_n and_o witness_v for_o god_n fruit_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o bear_v that_o be_v capable_a eph._n 4.29_o cons_n 6_o that_o whosoever_o do_v well_o teach_v the_o least_o commandment_n shall_v be_v reward_v for_o it_o mat._n 5.19_o cons_n 7_o that_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n revolve_v upon_o ordinary_a ability_n by_o command_n and_o special_a direction_n 2_o tim._n 2.2_o cons_n 8_o that_o all_o doctrinal_a point_n be_v already_o determine_v so_o that_o there_o need_v no_o new_a truth_n nor_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v they_o 1_o cor._n 3.11_o act_n 20.27_o cons_n 9_o that_o those_o who_o have_v embrace_v this_o good_a old_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n they_o ought_v so_o to_o dilate_v and_o extend_v it_o as_o may_v render_v it_o most_o visible_a to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v a_o last_a duty_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v etc._n etc._n mat._n 5.16_o cons_n 10_o that_o ordinary_a ability_n where_o faithful_o manage_v may_v warrantable_o make_v up_o breach_n and_o restore_v path_n to_o dwell_v in_o esa_fw-la 58.12_o cons_n 11_o if_o gift_n and_o ability_n be_v not_o assign_v for_o common_a benefit_n they_o be_v in_o vain_a 6.1_o 2_o cor._n 6.1_o and_o it_o reflect_v carelessness_n upon_o the_o bless_a god_n in_o not_o assign_v of_o they_o for_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o end_v when_o there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o it_o cons_n 12_o that_o ordination_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o make_v of_o a_o minister_n for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o before_o it_o or_o else_o be_v unfit_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o some_o have_v minister_v before_o it_o with_o good_a success_n and_o blessing_n as_o john_n baptist_n the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n apollo_n and_o the_o scatter_a saint_n upon_o the_o persecution_n of_o steven_n cons_n 13_o there_o be_v good_a precedent_n to_o minister_v where_o there_o be_v neither_o miracle_n nor_o tongue_n nor_o commission_n extend_v further_o than_o their_o own_o country_n even_o from_o our_o great_a baptist_n himself_o who_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n speak_v not_o with_o tongue_n and_o who_o commission_n carry_v he_o not_o to_o the_o gentle_a world_n and_o to_o imagine_v if_o a_o man_n can_v speak_v syriack_n and_o caldea_n that_o therefore_o he_o may_v not_o do_v what_o good_a he_o can_v with_o his_o mother-tongue_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o go_v ambassador_n into_o foreign_a part_n he_o may_v not_o serve_v his_o country_n at_o home_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n be_v not_o only_o inconvenient_a and_o dangerous_a but_o indeed_o against_o nature_n itself_o cons_n 14_o that_o a_o ordinary_a ability_n may_v make_v a_o good_a minister_n ☞_o ☞_o if_o he_o do_v no_o more_o than_o such_o ability_n render_v he_o fair_o able_a to_o perform_v see_v 1_o tim._n 4.6_o and_o now_o we_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o argue_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o premise_n arg._n 1_o if_o none_o be_v able_a to_o serve_v god_n as_o minister_n then_o be_v none_o able_a to_o teach_v other_o to_o serve_v god_n as_o servant_n or_o subject_n no_o not_o their_o own_o child_n but_o some_o have_v ability_n to_o teach_v other_o to_o serve_v god_n as_o servant_n ergo._n arg._n 2_o if_o some_o man_n be_v able_a to_o render_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o gospel_n intelligible_a and_o fit_a for_o belief_n such_o as_o the_o be_v nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o person_n office_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n eternal_a judgement_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v what_o imaginable_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v ability_n to_o render_v the_o less_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o intelligible_a and_o fit_a for_o practice_v such_o as_o baptism_n the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o like_a see_v there_o be_v the_o same_o plain_a rule_n for_o the_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o the_o one_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o unsold_v as_o the_o other_o and_o no_o more_o still_o require_v for_o the_o one_o then_o for_o the_o other_o the_o argument_n from_o hence_o will_v be_v good_a that_o the_o same_o pain_n take_v the_o same_o method_n use_v that_o inable_v for_o the_o great_a will_v undoubted_o do_v so_o for_o the_o lesser_a arg._n 3_o if_o some_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v and_o unfold_v the_o mystery_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o necessary_a and_o most_o weighty_a point_n major_n major_n then_o be_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n deceive_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a weight_n and_o consideration_n for_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n agree_v that_o it_o be_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la true_a and_o therefore_o they_o believe_v and_o profess_v but_o certain_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v not_o deceive_v minor_n minor_n and_o consequent_o like_a to_o perish_v the_o
arg._n 36_o if_o man_n have_v a_o good_a authority_n to_o minister_v thing_n great_a than_o baptism_n major_n major_n and_o equivolent_a to_o baptism_n then_o they_o have_v a_o good_a authority_n to_o minister_v that_o minor_n minor_n but_o they_o have_v a_o good_a authority_n to_o minister_v thing_n great_a and_o equivolent_a ergo_fw-la they_o have_v a_o good_a authority_n to_o minister_v that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o as_o good_a authority_n to_o administer_v baptism_n as_o thing_n great_a and_o equivolent_a then_o they_o be_v somewhere_o exempt_v from_o it_o but_o they_o be_v not_o where_o exempt_v from_o it_o ergo._n and_o if_o the_o baptism_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o be_v out_o of_o date_n let_v it_o be_v show_v plain_o for_o our_o minor_a proposition_n call_v for_o it_o be_v a_o universal_a negative_a the_o conclusion_n be_v if_o man_n be_v able_a to_o teach_v the_o nature_n manner_n and_o end_n of_o baptism_n and_o minister_v the_o same_o they_o have_v as_o good_a authority_n to_o do_v it_o as_o the_o other_o duty_n already_o mention_v thus_o have_v make_v good_a a_o warranty_n ground_v upon_o ability_n for_o man_n to_o minister_n we_o come_v next_o to_o the_o three_o proposition_n viz._n to_o put_v it_o upon_o a_o fair_a issue_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o in_o this_o age_n who_o ability_n render_v their_o person_n fit_a and_o their_o ministry_n warrantable_a in_o answer_n to_o this_o inquiry_n i_o shall_v offer_v but_o 3_o thing_n because_o i_o will_v not_o have_v this_o tract_n grow_v big_a than_o a_o pocket_n companion_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v no_o able_a and_o true_a minister_n in_o this_o age_n than_o there_o be_v no_o right_a or_o true_a believer_n because_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o age_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o ministry_n deliver_v either_o write_v or_o verbal_a 2._o that_o this_o age_n afford_v man_n as_o know_v and_o well_o verse_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o philosophy_n as_o any_o by_o past_a age_n man_n marvellous_o inspire_v only_o except_v which_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v out_o by_o instance_n if_o there_o be_v convenient_a room_n to_o be_v afford_v 3._o if_o any_o shall_v deny_v that_o any_o person_n in_o this_o age_n have_v ability_n so_o to_o fit_v they_o to_o be_v minister_n as_o render_v their_o ministry_n warrantable_a let_v they_o set_v forth_o their_o denial_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v undertake_v and_o so_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o general_a head_n viz_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n be_v before_o or_o have_v a_o preexsistency_n to_o his_o be_v conceive_v of_o the_o virgin_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o very_o short_a in_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o we_o levy_v these_o follow_a argument_n arg._n 1_o if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v true_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o every_o creature_n major_n major_n than_o he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o his_o be_v conceive_v of_o the_o virgin_n but_o he_o be_v true_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o every_o creature_n ergo_fw-la minor_n minor_n he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a coll._n 1.15_o heb._n 1.6_o arg._n 2_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o make_v of_o the_o world_n major_n major_n then_o he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o the_o virgin_n conception_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n ergo_fw-la minor_n minor_n he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a john_n 1.10_o coll._n 1.16.17_o heb._n 2.10_o arg._n 3_o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v before_o john_n baptist_n not_o only_o in_o preferency_n but_o exsistency_n major_n major_n then_o he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o the_o minor_n minor_n virgin_n conception_n 1.30_o john_n 1.30_o but_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v before_o john_n baptist_n not_o only_o in_o preferency_n but_o exsistency_n ergo_fw-la he_o have_v a_o preexsistency_a to_o the_o virgin_n conception_n arg._n 4_o if_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v no_o begin_n of_o day_n in_o some_o true_a sense_n and_o considerable_a respect_n then_o he_o have_v a_o pre-exsistancy_a to_o the_o virgin_n conception_n 1.3_o heb._n 1.3_o but_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v no_o beginning_n of_o day_n in_o some_o true_a sense_n and_o considerable_a respect_n ergo_fw-la he_o have_v a_o preexsistency_a arg._n 5_o if_o christ_n go_v and_o preach_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o age_n and_o day_n of_o noah_n major_n major_n than_o he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o the_o virgin_n conception_n minor_n minor_n according_a to_o that_o know_a maxim_n essence_n always_o precede_v operation_n but_o christ_n go_v and_o preach_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o age_n and_o day_n of_o noah_n 1_o pet._n 3.18.19.20_o ergo_fw-la he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o the_o virgin_n conception_n arg._n 6_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n of_o david_n major_n major_n than_o he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o the_o virgin_n conception_n but_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n of_o david_n ergo_fw-la revel_v 22.16_o minor_n minor_n arg._n 7_o if_o christ_n be_v before_o abraham_n than_o he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o the_o virgin_n conception_n major_n major_n but_o christ_n be_v before_o abraham_n minor_n minor_n ergo_fw-la john_n 8.58_o arg._n 8_o if_o christ_n be_v high_a and_o rich_a before_o he_o become_v low_a and_o poor_a major_n major_n than_o he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o the_o virgin_n conception_n but_o christ_n be_v high_a and_o rich_a before_o he_o become_v low_a and_o poor_a ergo_fw-la minor_n minor_n 2_o cor._n 8.9_o phil._n 2.6.7_o arg._n 9_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o before_o conceive_v of_o the_o virgin_n major_n major_n than_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o creation_n viz._n angel_n and_o man_n leave_v a_o headless_a creation_n and_o in_o complete_a till_o after_o the_o virgin_n mary_n 1_o cor._n 11.3_o 2_o col._n 10._o but_o the_o creation_n be_v not_o leave_v headless_a and_o incomplete_a ergo_fw-la minor_n minor_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o it_o be_v before_o arg._n 10_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o till_o conceive_v of_o the_o virgin_n major_n major_n than_o the_o world_n be_v without_o a_o mediator_n for_o the_o space_n of_o four_o thousand_o year_n or_o 42_o generation_n the_o consequence_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n we_o want_v both_o time_n and_o room_n to_o discourse_n but_o at_o the_o first_o look_n of_o it_o it_o bespeak_v great_a caution_n and_o pause_n but_o methinks_v a_o poor_a sinful_a world_n shall_v not_o be_v without_o a_o mediator_n so_o long_o a_o time_n minor_n minor_n ergo_fw-la the_o great_a mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n do_v exist_v before_o arg._n 11_o if_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v in_o he_o major_n major_n by_o he_o or_o to_o he_o before_o the_o world_n begin_v then_o he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o the_o virgin_n conception_n but_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v in_o he_o minor_n minor_n by_o he_o or_o to_o he_o before_o the_o world_n begin_v ergo_fw-la 1_o tit._n 2._o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o arg._n 12_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o person_n mean_v by_o solomon_n maj._n maj._n prov._n 8.22.23_o that_o be_v set_v up_o from_o everlasting_a before_o the_o world_n be_v then_o he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o the_o virgin_n conception_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o person_n there_o mean_v by_o solomon_n ergo._n minor_n minor_n arg._n 13_o if_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o great_a michael_n major_n major_n so_o frequent_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o be_v set_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o head_n of_o angel_n dan._n 10.21_o prov._n 12.7_o be_v mean_v of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o the_o virgin_n conception_n but_o by_o the_o great_a michael_n aforesaid_a be_v mean_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n ergo_fw-la minor_n minor_n he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o the_o virgin_n conception_n arg._n 14_o if_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o their_o journey_n through_o the_o wilderness_n major_n major_n in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n do_v both_o partake_v of_o he_o and_o provoke_v he_o than_o he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o his_o be_v conceive_v of_o the_o virgin_n but_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v then_o both_o partake_v of_o he_o minor_n minor_n and_o provoke_v he_o ergo_fw-la 1_o cor._n 10.4.10_o arg._n 15_o if_o christ_n have_v a_o glory_n with_o the_o father_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v than_o he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a to_o the_o virgin_n conception_n 17.5_o joh._n 17.5_o but_o he_o have_v a_o glory_n with_o the_o father_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v ergo_fw-la he_o have_v a_o pre-existency_a more_o may_v be_v say_v but_o this_o shall_v serve_v postscript_n five_o short_a argument_n in_o favour_n of_o that_o principle_n