be drawn into act by them that have it!

The minor proposition, viz. But the multitude or communion of the
faithful have no divine warrant, actually to exercise and put in
execution the power of the keys, is clear also:

1. By reason: for, the actual execution of this power belongs to them by
divine warrant, either when they have church officers, or when they want
church officers. Not while they have officers; for, that were to slight
Christ's officers: that were to take officers' work out of their hands
by them that are no officers, and when there were no urgent necessity;
contrary whereunto, see the proofs, Chap. XI. Section 2, that were to
prejudice the church, in depriving her of the greater gifts, and
undoubtedly authorized labors of her officers, &c. Not when they want
officers in a constituted church: as in case where there are three or
four elders, the pastor dies, two of the ruling elders fall sick, or the
like; in such cases the community cannot by divine warrant supply the
defects of these officers themselves, by exercising their power, or
executing their offices. For where doth Scripture allow such power to
the community in such cases? What one church without its eldership can
be instanced in the New Testament, that in such cases once presumed to
exercise such power, which might be precedent or example for it to
other churches? How needless are church officers, if the multitude of
the faithful may, as members of the church, take up their office, and
actually discharge it in all the parts of it?

2. By induction of particulars, it is evident, that the community cannot
execute the power of the keys by any divine warrant. 1. _They may not
preach_: for, "how shall they preach, except they be sent?" Rom. x. 15;
but the community cannot he sent, many of them being incapable of the
office, either by reason of their _sex_, 1 Cor. xiv. 34, 35; 1 Tim. ii.
11, 12: or by reason of their _age_; as children, and all or most of
them by reason of their deficiency in gifts and in scripture
qualifications, Tit. i. and 1 Tim. iii. For not one member of a thousand
is so completely furnished, as to be "apt to teach, able to convince
gainsayers, and to divide the word of truth aright." Besides, they may
not send themselves, were they capable, for, _no man takes this honor to
himself_--Yea, _Jesus Christ himself did not glorify himself to be made
an high-priest_--Heb. v. 4, 5. Now only officers are sent to preach,
Matt. xvi. 19,