Ellis on Article XXIII: Of Ministering in the Congregation

Obj. 1. There were in the Primitive Church, not 4 few that taught and preached the Word, who were never called, as appears by the Example of those that were dispersed upon the Persecution of the Churc, after the Death of St. Stephen, Acts 8. 4.

Answ. Among those rhat were dispersed, some perhaps were called ; If nor, we grant it to be lawful in an extraordinary time of Persecution, publickiy ro reach, without an ordinary Vocation; and not ocherwile. |

Ob}j. 2. FHle may be truly [iid to be called, who is furnish d with proper Gifts for teaching and insiruting others,

Answ. Alrho’ the foundarion of a true Cal- ting, be {such Gitrs as inable a Man to reach others ; yer there 1s likewise required a Trial

D.3. and

EE” “‘F4 4 Defence of the

and Approbarion of his Gifts, ro be made by others, before he be admitted into Holy Or- ders.

Obj. 3. Se. Panil, when he 7s describing 4 B.shop,..«.os not mention any necessity of a Veca- tion, I +47. 3. “F247. I. 4.

Answ, Altho’ in those places he docs not ex- presly mention a. Vocation ; yet in others he does ; aS Rom. 10. 15. |

Obj. 4. To teach others is a Work of Cha- rity, Jam. 5. 19, 20. and for that reason should not require a special Vocation,

Answ. We do nor deny that to teach others is a Work of Charity, yet it does not frem hence follow, that any one may take upon him to teach and preach publickly in the Church ; not orly because the Scripture very often urgeth thc neceffity. of a Vocation, bur likewise because upon this Account too great a liberry would be given, and even Women would reach in the Church, contrary to the FJudgmenr of the Apostle. 1 Cor. 14. 34: 1 Tim. 2. 12. Besides that, a great many who were really unfit to teaca in the Church, would yer 2c upon them ro do is, Which the Apoltle forbids, 1 Tim. 5. 12.

ART. XXIV. Of Speaking in the Con-