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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A75967) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 151511) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English Books, 1641-1700 ; 2261:28) The agreement and resolution of severall associated ministers in the County of Corke for the ordaining of ministers 22 p. Printed by Willam Smith for Richard Plummer ... , Corke : [1657] Date of publication suggested by Wing. Imperfect: print show-through. Reproduction of original in: Henry E. Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

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eng Ordination. Clergy -- Ireland. 2020-09-21 Content of 'availability' element changed when EEBO Phase 2 texts came into the public domain 2012-05 Assigned for keying and markup 2012-06 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2012-11 Sampled and proofread 2012-11 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2013-02 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE AGREEMENT AND RESOLVTION OF SEVERALL ASSOCIATED MINISTERS IN THE COUNTY OF CORKE FOR THE ORDAINING OF MINISTERS.

MAT: 9.37, 38.

Then ſaith he unto his Diſciples, The harveſt truely is plenteous, but the Labourers are few. Pray the Lord of the harveſt, that he will ſend forth Labourers into his harvest.

2 TIM: 2.2.

And the things that thou haſt heard of me, among many witneſſes, the ſame commit thou to faithfull men, who ſhall be able to teach others alſo.

CORKE.

¶ Printed by WILLIAM SMITH for Richard Plummer, and are to be ſold at his houſe in Corke.

THE WORKE OF THE MINISTRY PERPETUALLY NECESSARY TO THE CHVRCH-MILITANT.

§. 1. THe worke of the Miniſtry is, as well of perpetuall neceſſity, as of ſpirituall advantage to the Church-Militant; To reſtraine, 2 Cron: 24.2. To call, 2. Theſ: 2.14. To convert, Act: 26.16, 17, 18. To expound the Divine will, Act: 8.31. To make known the manifold wiſdom of GOD, Eph: 3.7, ad verſe 10, and heart ſecrets of men, Heb: 4.12. To miniſter the Spirit, 2. Cor: 3.8. Gal: 3.2, 5; which is not promiſed to teach any thing but what CHRIST hath ſpoken before, Iohn. 14.26; and Iohn makes it to be the infallible examen, or triall of the Spirits, whether they be of GOD, or not, That they conſent that CHRIST is come in the fleſh, 1 Iohn. 4.1, 2, 3, and heare, that is, obey his word by his appointed Miniſtry, which he profeſsedly determines to be of GOD, verſe 6. To worke Faith, Rom: 10, 14. 1 Cor: 3.5. Ioh: 17.20. To ſanctify, Ioh: 17.17. To eſtabliſh, Eph: 4.14. To ſeale, Eph: 1.13. To come with; and convey much aſſurance, with evidence of Divine Election, 1 Theſ: 1.4, 5, & joy in the Holy GHOST, v: 6. To convince Gain-ſayers, and ſtop the Mouths of Deceivers, Tit: 1.9, 11, whereunto the Church Militant is in all Ages obnoxious, 2 Pet: 2.1. 1 Tim: 4.2. Elect Ones ſhall (if is were poſſible) be deceived (Math: 24.24) by the uncertaine ſound of Schiſmes brazen Trumpets, 1 Cor: 14.8: Zions Silver ones are needfull to call her Aſſemblies, Numb, 10.7, and alarum her Sons to battel, v, 9. Every Hereticke, and deceiver, will in theſe laſt, and perilous times be pointing at CHRIST, with a Loe here, Loe there is CHRIST, is if he were there in ſober ſadneſs, Math: 24.23, 24: There is a neceſſity of the continuance of theſe Philips to lead doubting Nathaniels unto JESVS, Ioh: 1.46: ignorant Eunuchs to a right underſtanding of the word, Act: 8.30. to v. 35, & to a due participation of the Sacraments, v: 36, 37, 38. The world lyes in wickedneſs, 1 Ioh: 5.19, in thicke, groſs, Egyptian darkneſs, Ioh: 1.5.3.19: theſe Lights muſt flame on the hill, Math: 5.14: in the Candleſtick v. 15: to diſpell, and breake it, v: 16. Falſe Apoſtles, will fill their hands, or conſecrate them ſelves, 1 Kings 13.33: theſe Epheſine Angels muſt try them, Rev: 2, 2. Jezabel will make hereſelfe a Propheteſs to teach, and to ſeduce: theſe Thyatirian Angels muſt prohibit her, Rev: 2.20. Diotrephes's, men loving preheminence, will exerciſe arbitrary power in the Churches; Others ſhall not be Miniſters; They will be Maſters: there muſt be a ſucceſſion of authorized Iohns to remember their deeds, and ſilence their pratings. 3 Ioh: v: 9, 10. Conſuſiōs will multiply in the Church of Corinth, till there be neither meaſure, nor end of them, unleſs ſome Pauls be in being & carefull to ſet things in order when they come, 1. Cor: 11.34. Many Children will want their food; and allowance, if at any time there be none in Office, Stewards of the Myſteries, and manifold wiſdome of GOD, 1 Cor: 4.1. 1 Pet: 4.10. CHRISTS cōming can not be as it was in the dayes of Noah, Math: 24.37, unleſs ſome Preacher of righteouſneſs be then living, 2 Pet: 2.5, to warne the ſinfull world of their wickedneſs, and danger. The pureſt graine hath its chaffe, 1. Ioh: 1.8, 10. Pro: 20.9: the beſt need this Fanne to cleanſe them, Math: 3.12. Sheep are apt to wander, Pſal: 119.176. Eſa: 53.6: the beſt need a Nathan to reduce them, 2 Sam: 12.7. All fleſh is liable to Fly-blows, Eccl: 7.20: the beſt neede this ſalt to preſerve them, Math: 5.13. Where grace is not, the worke of the Miniſtry is neceſſary to beget it, 1 Cor: 4.15. Jam: 1.18: where grace is, the worke of the Miniſtry is neceſſary to continue it, 1 Theſ: 5.19, 20. to increaſe it, Act: 20 28. 1 Pet. 2.2. As long as there is one Sinner to be converted, one Saint to be perfected, one member in the body of CHRIST to be edified, one Chriſtian militant to be made triumphant, the worke of the Miniſtry is neceſſary, Math: 28.19, 20. Eph: 4.11, 12. Act: 20.32.

Office-power perpetually neceſſary to the work of the Miniſtry.

§. 2.AS much as the Ability, or Gift is in order to the Office, or Adminiſtration: So much is the Office in order to the Worke, or Operation, 1 Cor: 12.4.5.6. 1 The worke of labouring in the word, and Doctrine, is the diſtinctive character of Paſtours. 1 Tim: 5.17. Eph: 4.12. 2 Thoſe only are gifted for the worke of the Miniſtry, for whom CHRIST received, to whom CHRIST gave Gifts; & theſe in the Holy GHOSTS Regiſter, are only gifted Church-Officers, Eph: 4.11, 12, 13. Pſal: 68.18. 3 Office-power is ſo eſſentiall, that if the Office-worke may be done by others then inſtituted Officers, 1 Poſitive acts of Religion neede not an affirmative warrant. 2 The inſtitution of Officers had been ſuperfluous. 3 GODS Judgments againſt Intruders, had been unjuſt; (abſie) Nor was that, which the Scripture makes to be the extreame of Jeroboams Apoſtacy, any ſo great matter, 1. Kings 12.31. cap: 13.33. Nor that ſad threatning of the Church of Jſrael by the Prophet Hoſea any thing at all, Hoſ: 4.9. Read alſo and conſider Jer: 23.21. 1 Sam: 13.13. 2 Sam: 6.7.

The diſtinction of the Miniſteriall-Office.

§. 3.TO run without Office-power, argues preſumption; to ſtand ſtill with it, lazineſs: The former, becauſe the Miniſtry is a diſtinct Office: The latter, becauſe it impowers for diſtinct Workes, 1 Tim: 3.1. 1 The Perſons impower'd diſtinct; ſome, Eph: 4.11: not all, 1 Cor: 11.29; and in relation to their Office, diſtinguiſhed from other Saints. Heb: 13.24. 2 The Office, & Office-titles diſtinct; 1 Tim: 3.1. Ier: 3.15. Math: 9.36, 37, 38. 1 Cor: 3.9.4.1.2.15. 2 Cor: 3.6.5.20. Act: 20.28. Rev: 1.16, 20. 3 diſtinct promiſes are made to Church-Officers, Mat: 10.19.16.19.18.18.28.20. 1 Tim: 4.16. 1 Pet: 5.4. Dan. 12.3. 4 diſtinct gifts, and qualifications required in them, 1 Tim: 3.2. Tit: 1.7, 8, 9. 5 diſtinct duties impoſed on them concerning others, 1 Pet: 5.2, 3. 1 Tim: 4.13, 14, 15. 2 Tim: 4.2. Heb: 13.17: the neglect whereof procures Woe peculiarly to them, 1 Cor: 9.16; is reproved peculiarly in them, and for the obſervance, they peculiarly approved, Rev: 2. cap: 3. 6 diſtinct Duties impoſed on others concerning them, 1 Cor: 16.10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18. 2 Cor: 8.23, 24. 1 Cor: 9. Gal: 6.6. 1 Theſ: 5.12, 13. 1 Tim: 5.17. Heb: 13.7. Phil: 2.29: the obſervance wherof in the loweſt meaſure is kindly accepted by CHRIST, Math: 10.40. Ioh: 13.20: the neglect condemned as the worſt of Sins, 2 Cron: 36.15, 16. Lu: 10.16. Hoſ: 4.4: Reſiſters of them are ſaid to reſiſt the Holy GHOST: Act: 7.51, 52: diſpiſers of them are ſaid to be deſpiſers of GOD, 1 Theſ: 4.8: to judge themſelves unworthy of eternall life. Act: 13.46: to reject the counſell of GOD againſt themſelves, Lu: 7.30: punniſhed with the worſt of judgments, 2 Cron: 36.16, 17. 1 Theſ: 2.16. 2 Kings. 2.24. Amos. 2.12, to v. 16. The Apoſtle Jude, v. 11. taxeth the primitive Hereticks with three horrid crimes againſt Chriſtianity, 1 Cruelty againſt their Brethren, as Cain. 2 Vaſſalling Religion under covetouſneſs, as Balaam. 3 Oppoſition to the miniſterial Function, as Core: and adjoines periſhing as the neceſſary product of that contradiction. To this Sin, temporall punniſhments are often conſequent, 2 Cron: 36.17. Amos. 2.12, to v. 16. 2 Kings. 2.24; Spirituall alwaies. That dreadfull judgment threatned Iſai: 6.9, 10, and ſo often repeated in the new Teſtament, Mat: 13. Mar: 4.12. Lu: 8.10. Ioh: 12.40. Act: 28.26. Rom. 11.8. (where Gods diſpenſations, both in mercies, and judgements, are eſpecially ſpirituall) in each of the Evangeliſts, in the Acts, and in the Epiſtles, is the ſpeciall fruit of this impiety. When thoſe who are antiminiſteriall, reele ſo faſt to Atheiſine, and a ſottiſh inſenſibility, let none imagine that GOD leaves them unpuniſhed.

The diſtinct miniſteriall-werke, and Office proved by Reaſon.

§. 4.THough grace doth unbeaſt us: yet it doth not unman us. The will of GOD therefore diſcovered by right reaſon, binds our obſervance: and right reaſon gives in its ſuffrage to the diſtinct worke, and Office of the Miniſtry, as 1 From the nature of Religious Ordinances, which are 1 High, and difficult; ſuch as require the whole time, 1 Tim: 4.15: yea more than the whole man, 2 Cor: 2.16. 2 Mysterious, and excellent: myſterious, becauſe religious (of inward grace as well as outward rites) excellent becauſe myſterious; And the difficulty, Act: 6.2, excellency, Heb: 5.4, and myſteriouſneſs, 1 Cor: 4.1. 1 Tim. 3.16, as of every Employment: ſo eſpecially of that which is ſacred, diſtinguiſheth Perſons to attend it. 2 From the manner of religious duties; A worke done in religion is not done, if the manner of doing confutes the matter of the thing done, 1 Cor: 11.17, 20. Hoſ: 7.14: But ſuch as are regardleſs, Who performes religious cuties, are cōmonly regardleſs whether, alwaies regardleſs how, they are performed. 1 Kings. 12.31, 32. 3 From the end of Religion, the deligne whereof is GODS glory; i.e. the manifeſtation of divine excellency. 1 GODS Being is manifeſted, when as in the darker glaſs of the world: ſo in the clearer glaſs of the Church (repreſenting more lively GODS Image, 2 Cor: 3.18) by this dependance. of one on another, we are led to him the originall of all. 2 GODS Power is manifeſted, when by ſuch neake diſtinct Inſtruments of divine appointment, 1 Nations propoſſeſſed with enmity, and prejudice, are ſubdued to owne the way of Religion, 1 Cor: 1.27, 28. 2 The heart (which is GODS privy-chamber) is reached: Paul a priſoner at the barre, makes Felix, a Judge on the bench to tremble, Act: 24.25. Agrippa becemes almoſt a Chriſtian at one of the ſame priſoner-preachers Sermons, Act: 26.28. 3. Supernaturall treatures are conveyed by earthen veſſells; the power therfore is of GOD, 2 Cor: 4.7: upon which account the Apoſtle puts Faith, wrought by Goſpell-preaching in the firſt ranke of the admirable things of the great day, 2 Theſ: 1.10. 3 GODS univerſall Soveraignty is manifeſted by our united ſervices, (as ſociable creatures), which are required of us, Heb: 10.25: and can not be performed by us, without diſtinct Ordinances, nor thoſe orderly adminiſtred, without diſtinct Officers; And as GOD is the GOD of order in the whole Univerſe: ſo eſpecially in the Churches of the Saints. 4 GODS goodneſs is manifeſted by imploying 1 ſuch diſtinct Iuſtruments, as are ſymbolicall, and therfore moſt probable to be effectuall, Ex: 20.19. 2 Such as may in their lives exemplify, what in their doctrines they teach, Phil: 3.17 1 Tim: 4.12. 1 Pet: 5.3. 3 ſuch as have their adventurers in the ſame veſſell, 2 Cor: 1.6, 8: So that they can not deceive others, but they muſt deceive themſelves, Math 15.14. 5 GODS wiſdome is manifeſted, in the inſtitution of this diſtinct double witneſs Ioh: 15.26, 27; double meanes; 1 Cor: 3.9; inward, and outward. GOD is a Spirit, his conveyances of himſelfe muſt be ſpirituall: we are Bodies, our preſent receptiōs muſt be corporeall; ſo the infinite wiſdome of our GOD, that ſuits his institutes to both; to the former by the Spirit of his grace; to the latter by the Miniſtry of Man.

That it is, GOD, who calls to the Officeworke, and power miniſteriall.

§. 5.BUt all meanes ought to be proportioned to their proper ends. The Streame can not riſe higher then the ſpring-head; As therfore the ends ſo likewiſe the inſtitution of the Miniſtry is ſupernaturalls Not to ſpeake of the Poieſt-hood, before, and under Moſaicall Paedagogie; GOD promiſeth, Eſa: 66.21, to ſingle, or take out from the reſt of beleevers under the Goſpell; ſome for Priestes,) and Levites, •• es New-Teſtament Officers, ſet forth in old Teſtament characters: And according to this promiſe, GOD ſets ſuch in the Church, 1 Cor. 12.28, 29, 2 Cor: 5, 18.19. Chriſt 〈◊〉 gives them to the Church, Ephe 4.11 1 Tim. 1.11 12 The Holy GHOST ſeperates them for the Church, Act: 13.2.20.28.

Ordinary Ministers.

§. 6.THis truth reacheth, not only Apoſtles, Prop hets and Evangeliſts (extraordinary): but Paſt ours and Teachers alſo (ordinary) Church-officers: Thus Apollo, 1 Cor: 3.5. Epaphras, Col: 1.7. Archippus, Col: 4.17. Silvanus, 1 Theſ: 1.10, with cap: 2.4. Tychicus, Col: 4.7. Eph: 6.21, ordinary Miniſters, received their Miniſtry from the LORD.

And mediately by Miniſters.

§. 7.ANd as it is perpetually neceſſary, that thoſe, who miniſter in the things of GOD, ſhould be thereto ſeperated by GOD: ſo is it perpetually neceſſary, that by ſome externall act, it might appeare, who are thus ſeparated. This Expreſs under the Goſpell, Chriſt at firſt determined, either by perſonall, or miraculous ſignation. Perſonall, during his humiliatiō, as the 12 Apoſtles, Math: 10: Miraculous, after his aſcenſion, as Matthias by Lot Act: 1.26. Paul & Barnabas by viſion, Act: 13.2. Timothy by propheſy, 1 Tim: 4.14. But though Miracles ceaſe, yet the Goſpell-miniſtration, and Miniſtry muſt continue (2 Cor: 3.11,) in regard that the Churches neede of it, (as Sect: 1.), & GODs care to ſupply it, is the ſame to the end, Math: 16.18. & 24.14. Eſa: 30.20. Therefore doth CHRIST ſend Goſpell-Miniſters, as the FATHER ſent him, Ioh: 20.21: & authorizeth them (acting under him, and in his ſtead, 2 Cor: 5.20.) to authorize others, 2 Tim: 2.2. And as their worke & office ſhall continue to the end of the world: ſo he promiſeth his preſence with them alwaies, even to the end of the world, Mith: 28.18, 19, 20.

By the way of Ordination.

§. 8.THe Miniſters of the Goſpell thus ſeparated and authorized to ſeparate and authorize others; are herein directed to Goſpel Ordination; as GODS inſtitution for this end and purpoſe. Thus Paul; though immediately choſen by GOD, even to an Apoſtolate, muſt be ordained, Act: 13.1.2: and the Seven, though mediately choſen by the multitude of diſciples, but even a Deaconſhip, muſt be ordained, Act: 6.3, 6. Paul and Barnabas goe from place to place, to ordaine Preſbyters in every City. Act: 14.23. Titus is left at Crete to ordaine Presbyters, Tit: 1.5: all which had been nedleſs, if qualifications, or popular election (without ordination) had been authoritative miſſion. Timothy received his cōmiſſion by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, 1 Tim: 4.14: and though in the negative, he be forbad to lay hands ſudenly on any man: yet thereby in the affirmative, he is cōmanded to lay on hands, i. e. ordaine Miniſters, 1 Tim: 5.22.

Goſpell-Miniſters (in the County of Corke) excited to ordaine Ministers.
1 By Sence of Duty.

§. 9.VVE doe not, we dare not apologize for all, or any the infirmities, errors, offences, ſcandalls &c, of any in the Miniſtry. It is (the LORD knows) a cauſe of ſadneſs, and heart-ſearching to us, as often as we thinke of them; and the rather, conſidering how prodigiouſly provoking, and of what dangerous, deſtructive conſequence, the exceſſes and obliquities of the Sons of Levi are, which the LORD hath been wont to proſecute with flaming expreſſions of an hot diſpleaſure, Mal: 2.8, 9: Yet ſince the unbeleife & miſcarriages of men can not make the faith of GOD of none effect in any thing that he hath promiſed to his Church, Rom: 3.3. 2 Tim: 2.13: and ſince, even in the deepeſt defection of the Aaronicall Prieſt-hood, which was to give place in time to the Evangelicall, GOD tooke care, ere he threw out one, to provide for the ſubstitution of another (as if he would thereby acquaint us, that it is ſome part of the myſtery of his waies, to be angry with men in Office, and well pleaſed with the inſtitution and Office it ſelfe at one and the ſame time as we may ſee in that famous portion of Scripture, 1 Sam: 2.27 ad fin: Yea, eſpecially, ſince we are incompaſſed with ſuch a cloud of Scripture-teſtimonies already expreſſed, That GOD will not leave his Church at any time, after the manifeſtation and reſurrection of his Son, deſtitute of Paſtours, according to his own heart, which ſhall to the end of the world teach, and make Diſciples out of all Nations; unto whom our LORD JESVS hath annexed a Loe of his being preſent with them alwaies, or every day, Math: 28.20; which word and phraſe, in our judgment imports a promiſe of a clear, and daily manifeſtation of what a CHRIST preſent can diſcover, and hand forth unto them: We have therefore reſolved through GODS aſſiſtance (being confidently & comfortably perſwaded of the promiſed preſence of our MASTER with us) to put forth that power, wherwith the LORD hath (in this inſtance) intruſted us; That in this part of CHRISTS Church, 1 A Goſpell-Ministry may be regularly continued. 2 Intruders prevented. 3 CHRISTS Flocke preſerved, as well from diſperſion, as infection.

2 By experience of divers ſad conſequents of non-ordination.

§. 10.COntraries are beſt illuſtrated by their Contraries. We ſhall therefore particularize ſome of the ſad cōſequents, which by experience we have obſerved to ariſe from entrance into the Miniſtry by other waies than GODS way of Ordinatiō. 1 The moſt of thoſe, who take upon them the Miniſtry, without ordination, are far from having ſuch gifts, as are neceſſarily required in thoſe that are instructours to others. 2 Thoſe Congregations, who give this liberty to perſons unordained, are incompetent Judges of their gifts. 3 Converſion-worke went on more lively, when Miniſteriall-worke was wholly in the hands of ordained men, and Church-Guides. 4 Such confident Intruders are ſeldome without their conſiderable errours, not only in diſcipline, but doctrine. 5 Popery, & Apoſtacy have little prevailed, but where and when, either ſuch as pretended to be Miniſters, laboured not in the word and doctrin; or ſuch as pretended to labour in the word and doctrine, were not Miniſters. 6 Enthuſiaſmes in ſuch we ſee often pretended to, and no wonder, when Learning, which in an ordinary way, ſhould furniſh with abilities, is wanting. 7 Though this Gangrene begins at the foote; yet it ſuddenly cates to the heart: we ſeldome ſee any who are againſt Ordinances, Sabbaths of Scriptures, CHRIST, but ſuch as were firſt againſt ordained Miniſters. Some of them who without ordination pretended to be prime Preachers of CHRIST, doe now themſelves protend to be CHRIST. 8 In ſuch unordained men is eaſily diſcernable, not only the bublings up, but the flowings over of a Spirit of pride, & ſelfe-confidence. 9 They who exclaime againſt Miniſters, as preaching for Tithes, have given ſhrewd cauſe of ſuſpition, that themſelves preached for places and employments, 10 Such unordained perſons cōmonly divide and breake inſunder ſuch Congregations, in which they have liberty to exerciſe. 11 They ordinarily obtrude themſelves on ſuch Congregations, as are conſcientiouſly ſcrupled, and profeſſedly unſatisfied with them. 12 Many or them neglect the duties of their particular and generall Calling; and whilſt they pretend to teach whole Congregations, they omit to inſtruct their Children and Servants. 13 Becauſe of ſuch wild and: irregular practiſes, the Ordinances of the Goſpell come to be contemned, and the offering of the LORD to be abhorred. 14 Men of learning and ability, whoſe labours might have been of ſingular and ſignall advantage, have by this meanes been ſlighted, excluded. 15 Even by naturall conſcience the prophane are convinced that duties of Religion ought to be performed, and diſtinct Perſons attend them when therefore they ſee ſuch as pretend to the power of Religion, to deſpiſe the forme (which is the utmoſt their Capacities can reach) they are eaſily induced by the old Serpent to over value the forme, and deſpiſe the power; and when they ſee other prophane ones, prize what they prize, and thoſe that pretend to the power, deſpiſe the ſame (by making it cōmon, and of ordinary addreſs) they are rootedly hardned in their prophaneſs 16 The Iriſh and Papists are alienated from the Proteſtant Religion.

1 Ignorance is the mother of Popiſh devotion; they therefore reſpect more the perſons of teachers than the things taughts and where theſe are contemned, they are apt to repute Religion denied:

2 Order and Unity are eſſentiall properties (in the Papiſts opinion) of the true Church; but diſorder and Schiſme are the naturall conſequents of unordained Intruders; and where theſe are, the Papists doe readily conclude that Religion is not.

3 Many Papiſts, though ſo ignorant in the choiſe principles of Chriſtianity, that their faith is implicate; yet in many things (eſpecially Popiſh controverſied) they clearly diſcover a greater ignorance and weakneſs in theſe Intruders; the diſcovery whereof, together with the admiration of their own dark Sophiſters, confirmes them in their perſwaſions againſt the Proteſtant Religion; whereof they judge rather by the weakneſs and pretences of ſuch Intruders, than by the true grounds of Proteſtant Religion.

4 Theſe various unordained Intruders are often contradictory, not only to each other, but to themſelves; the obſervance whereof confirmes the Papiſts, that as there is out one truth, ſo theſe contrary waies can not be that truth.

5 Scripture being wreſted by theſe unſtable intruders to patronize their own conceptions, the Papiſts are confirmed, that Scripture is a Judge inſufficient, and unlawfull for cōmon uſe, as being liable to abuſe, and if Scripture-adjudication be once rejected, carnall reaſon will invite to ſet the higheſt value on Popiſh politie.

6 Theſe unordained Intruders doe uſually revile Goſpell-Miniſters, and the owners of the Goſpell-Miniſtry as Anti-Chriſtian: Now when that guilt is charged by theſe on the Proteſtants, which the Proteſtants charge on the Papiſts, the Papiſts are thereby confirmed, as if they were as innocent as their profeſſed Oppoſites and Reprovers.

7 Vice may be nouriſhed with the milke of vertue. The Goſpell-Miniſters are conſtrained by the diſtracting diſturbances of theſe Intruders to lay out ſo much of their time and ſweate in the prevention of the evil conſequences before inſtanced, that the Papiſts (who are oppoſite in the other extreame) gaine ground by this diverſion, and are eaſily perſwaded to thinke the better of themſelves, even on this occaſion.

8 Many doctrines delivered by theſe Intruders are expreſſely Popiſh; which ſome of them deliver becauſe of their ignorance and inability to diſtinguiſh betwixt what is Popiſh, and what not; others out of deſigne to introduce Popery without noiſe or diſcovery.

Many of theſe conſequences (we beleeve) ariſe from the nature of unſcripturall intruſion into the worke of the Miniſtry without ordination; though poſſibly others of them ariſe from the frequent diſtemper and irregularity of them, who dare be ſuch Intruders; by inſtance whereof we intend not to juſtifie the diſtorted illations made by Papiſts, and prophane perſons; but to diſcover the advantage, which by this occaſion is miniſtred to the ſlye and ſubtle inſinuations of the crooked Serpent, and the Church-ſhattering, Soule-indangering improvement he makes of that advantage; which jointly with the ſence of our ſpeciall duty, inforceth us to the diſcharge thereof, in ordaining Miniſters.

More, than others.

§. 11.THat we herein begin, will be no temptation (we hope) of prejudice to any Brethren; for 1. Some muſt begin. 2. England affords many precedents. 3 of all, in this County, we apprehend the opportunity to aſſociate is moſt, becauſe the Miniſters are moſt and neareſt: the neceſſity moſt, becauſe the Congregations are most and greatest; and many members of them rationally judge, that thoſe intend to climbe over the Wall, who refuſe to enter in by the Doore.

More, than formerly.

§. 12.THat we rather ingage in this duty at preſent, than formerly, hath theſe inducements. 1. The Proteſtant Inhabitants were neceſſitated formerly to live in, or nigh Garriſons; and ſo might be ſupplied by ſuch ordained Miniſters, as GOD had there ſet: but at preſent, they diſperſe themſelves into the Country; wherefore to attend them, the increaſe of the number of Miniſters, becomes neceſſary; and to that end (by GODS inſtitution) ordination is neceſſary.More Goſpell-Miniſters ſettled in Ireland, ſince the LORD HENRY-CROMVVELL arrived here, and owned the public Ordinances of Christ, than in 15 years precedent. Thinke upon him O God for good, according to all be hath done for thy People. 2 Through the LORDS goodneſs, & the benigne aſpect of our Magiſtrates, Goſpell-Miniſters are incouraged, and we finde, that both the harveſt is great, and the Labourers not ſo few as formerly; who (in GODS way) muſt either ſeeke ordination from our Brethren, the Scots in Vlſter; the inconveniences whereof (the preſent State of affaires conſidered) are too obvious to need our inſtances: or from our Brethren in England; But 1 They may probably want meanes of ſupport for ſuch a journy. 2 Certificates from perſons at this diſtance, may poſſibly be counterfeited, or if true; diſcredited, becauſe the Subſcribers unknown: by the former, unfit perſons may be ordained; by the latter, fit perſons diſcouraged, if not rejected: by both, the Church of CHRIST prejudiced, and the worke of the Goſpell obſtructed.

More, than to other acts of diſcipline.

§. 15.NEither doe we thinke the procedure propoſterous, to ingage in the duty of Ordination, before other acts of Eccleſiaſticall diſcipline; for 1 Herein we walke in the ſame method, as the reverend Aſſembly late at Weſtminſter, in their advice propounded. 2. Ordination of Miniſters, properly and peculiarly belongs to Miniſters. 3 Severall particulars (urged by many, under this Head of diſcipline) are to us very darke: but ordination of Miniſters by Miniſters, is to all of us a clear duty: thoſe therefore are fitteſt for further debate; this for preſent obſervance. 4 Many acts of diſcipline are only neceſſary to the well-being of the Church viſible: but ordination of Miniſters to its very being. (At leaſt conſidered as orgainz'd, or as continuing.) 5 We have mutually ingaged our ſelves to the LORD, and to each other, to improve the advantage of our frequent meetings, in wreſtling with the LORD by prayer; and conſidering and admoniſhing each other; both in relation to our particular walking, and in relation to the Flock of CHRIST, over which the HOLY GHOST hath made us Overſeers.

VVE conclude with a few words of advice to the Readers of this Account of our Principles, and intended Practiſe; and eſpecially to our People, and the ſeverall Congregations comitted to our charge; whoſe ſpirituall improvement, flouriſhing growth, & eternall welfare in the Heavens, our very Soules doe pantingly breath after.

1 Let that which was the Bereans cōmendation, (Act: 17.11.) be yours, Search the Scriptures daily. Many places and paſſages in ſacred Writ you will ſinde quoted by us, which we intreat you to turne to, & examine: A paſſing over them in haſt, & with a tranſient glance, may not gaine a ſteady conſent, but leave you heſitant & dubious; at leaſt in ſome of the inſtanted particulars. It's a narrow ſearch, and curious inquiſition that tends to; & terminates in a clear conviction & full ſatisfaction. It's of grand concernment, that you be well grounded in this main Head of Divinity. The Goſpell-Miniſtry (which is indeed the Divells ſmarting eye-ſore, being the great Engine deſigned by CHRIST to Batter down the Wails of the Kingdome of darkneſs) is on all hands beleaguer'd, aſſaulted, ſtruck at; though from ſome quarters, & regions, the ſtorme be more violent and impetuous than from others. An huge duſt is raiſed by Objectors, & men by great heapes looſe themſelves in a miſt of dangerous miſtakes; & all for want of pondering & weighing things in the Ballance of the Sanctuary: However, this we may depend on, & comfort our ſelves with, That it ſhall contmue till the ſecond cōming of our LORD, maugre all combined & boiſterous oppoſition in order to its ſubverſion & abolition. When Ordinances ſhall ceaſe, then Miniſters ſhall be no more, & not till then. Particular Miniſters (like boughs) may be, & have been lopt off by the hand of violēce; but Miniſtry (like a mighty Tree (whoſe fruit the LORD hath appointed for the healing of the Nations) is too deeply & firmely rooted, to be blowne cowne. In vaine is that Port aſſaulted, that hath a promiſe of CHRISTS preſence and powerfull aſſiſtance, Math: 28.20. This is an Age abounding with ſuggeſtions & inſinuations of ſeverall ſhapes; which, if obtruded under the notion of a clearer light, & an higher way of Communion, have a potent and captivating influence on perſons, whoſe Hearts are better than their Heads, and who have warme Affections, and but feeble Intellectualls. It will be your wiſdome (abhorring all eaſy; yeelding, corrupt compliances upon the wretched, unworthy account of promoting or ſecuring an intereſt in the World) to have recourſe to the Law & to the Teſtimony, confidently concluding, that if they speake not according to this word, it is becauſe there is no light in them, what ever ſparkling & beamy brightneſs may be pretended to, Eſa: 8.20.

2 And ſince it is a duty incumbent on the people to pray for their Paſtors, 2 Theſ: 3.1: And ſince there is a great doore and effectuall opened, but not with out the waſpiſh activity, and retarding obſtructions of maligning adverſarias, 1 Cor: 16.9: And ſince we are but men, ſubject to the ſame paſſions and infirmities with your ſelves; and knowing only in part, 1 Cor: 13.9; & our Strength no way proportionable to the weightineſs of that worke that lies upon us, 1 Cor: 2.16: we ſhall earneſtly intreate, that in your addreſſes to the Throne of Grace, you would frequently & affectionately make mention of us, & importuaately pray unto the Father of Lights, that he would inlighten us with his truth, and ſhew us the way that he would have us to walke in, and teach us how we ought to behave our ſelves at ſuch a time as this is; That he would incourage our hearts, & ſtrengthen our hands in his owne way and worke; That he would bleſs the ſincere, though feeble indeavours of his Servants for the propagating of the Goſpell, and promoting of the intereſt of his SON; & that out of tender regard unto his Churches wellfare, he would blow upon and blaſt all anti-miniſteriall deſignes. The Harveſt is great, the Labourers few: O pray unto the LORD of the Harveſt, that he would ſend forth painfull Labourers into his Harvest, Math: 9.37; 38; and make them ſuceeſsfull for the bringing of many ſheaves into CHRISTS barne. Our motions are ſlow, becauſe not furthered and aſſiſted by your prayers, which ſhould ſerve as oile unto our Chariot wheeles, to make them run the more ſmoothly and ſwiftly. The time that many ſpend in whiſpering, complaining, backbiting, quarrelling, contending, exclaiming, cenſuring, doe you ſpend in praying. The LORD forbid that we ſhould ſin, in ceaſing to pray for you, whom we expect to be our glory, and crown of rejoicing in the preſence of our LORD JESVS CHRIST at his comming: And the LORD forbid that you ſhould ſin, in ceaſing to pray for us, who watch for your Soules, as thoſe that muſt give an account; and are willing to ſpend, and to be ſpent for the Churches good.

FINIS.