here expressed, be offended at an attempt, in the spirit
of meekness, to remove their mistakes: nor let them impute it to envy,
pride, or selfish principles. In a perfect consistency with all that he
hath advanced, the writer can say, "Would to God that all the Lord's
people were prophets."

It is a necessary consequence of what is advanced on this subject, that
all should be careful that the ministry of the ordinances they attend
upon be such as is warranted in the word. If none can warrantably preach
except they be sent, we cannot warrantably attend on the ministry of any
but those who we have reason to believe have Christ's call and mission.
And if it be an objection against a pastor of a congregation, that he is
imposed upon the flock without their choice, it is no less an objection
against a preacher, if he be not admitted to the ministry of the word by
those whose office it is to examine his qualifications, and judge of his
call. It must, however, be acknowledged, that to have gone through the
ordinary forms of admission is no sufficient evidence of one's having
the call of Christ. The outward forms may be observed, while the spirit
and design of them is neglected, and the rule of the word transgressed.
Nor can any be acknowledged as sent by Christ, unless their character
correspond with that pointed out and required in the word, and unless
the doctrine they teach be the gospel of Christ. None can be supposed to
have a mission from Christ, who do not bring his message, 2 John ver.
10: "If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine, receive him
not into your house, neither bid him God speed." But when we are favored
with the pure gospel, and an administration of it agreeable to the word,
let us wait upon it diligently; regarding the preaching of the gospel as
an ordinance of Christ, and depending on his promised blessing to make
it effectual: for when "the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased
God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe," 1 Cor.
i. 21.

Both parts of this number are recommended to the serious consideration
of what are called _lay-preachers_, and of such as favor that scheme.
And let all intruders upon the office of the holy ministry, with their
deluded votaries, beware lest it should be said to them, _Who hath
required this at your hands_?

NO. IV.

_Quest_. Have not the people a divine right to choose their own pastors
and other church officers?

_Ans_