chap. iv. and in his first epistle to the Corinthians, chap. xii. When Christ ascended on high, he gave gifts to men; and he gave some apostles; some prophets; some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers, for the workof the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ. There were only some to be teachers: It was not intended that every one, who listed, should act in this capacity, under pretence of edifying the church. God has set some in the church to officiate in this character; first apostles; then prophets; and then teachers. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers ?—By no means. all the several parts of the body were one member, where were the body? And if all the members of the church should assume one office, where were the church? All things are to be done decently and in order.

If

The apostles themselves received their commission immediately from Christ. In the time of his ministry on earth, he gave to the twelve, and afterwards to the seventy disciples, an express command to go and preach the kingdom of God among the Jews.

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After his resurrection this commission was enlarged. All power, says he, in heaven and in earth is given to me; go ye therefore and teach all nations. Matth. xxviii. Though they had now received, yet they were not furnished to execute this extensive commission Therefore Christ adds, Tarry ye at Jerusalem, exercising your ministry there, until ye be endued with power from on highfor ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence. Accordingly, about ten days after this, on the day of Pentecost, when they were all assembled together (all the hundred and twenty disciples, who had companied together all the time, that Christ went in and out among them; when these were assembled together) the gift of tongues was bestowed upon them, as that of miracles had been before: And now they were furnished to preach the gospel among all nations. As these were ordained immediately by Christ, so they were authorized to ordain others.

Paul was an apostle, not by man, but by Jesus Christ; yet, after he received the gos

pel, he presumed not to preach, until Ananias, who is supposed to have been one of the seventy disciples, came to him, and by an express command from Christ, laid his hands on him, and told him,' He was a chosen vessel to bear Christ's name among the Gentiles, as well as Jews.' The miracle which Ananias performed, in restoring Paul to his sight, was an evidence of the authenticity of his commission. Acts ix. 15, 16, 17, 18-and chap. xxii. 12, 13, 14, 15.

Afterward, when Paul and Barnabas were about to carry the gospel to the Gentiles, they were, by the direction of the Holy Ghost, separated to that work by the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch, who fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, and sent them away.' Acts xiii. 1, 2, 3. And these apostles, as they went through various cities of the Gentiles, preaching the gospel, and confirming believers, ordained them elders in every church, commending them, by fasting and prayer, to the grace of God.' Acts xiv. 23.

These elders, who were ordained by the apostles and first ministers, were at the same time authorised to transmit the office to others. Timothy was ordained by the 'laying on of the hands of the presbytery, in the presence of many witnesses ? And the things, which he had received, the same he was ordered to commit to faithful men, who should be able to teach others also: And he is solemnly cautioned to lay hands suddenly on no man.' 1 Epistle, v. 22—2 Epistle, ii. 2. And Paul says to Titus, who was a minister in the island of Crete, For this purpose have I left thee in Crete, that thou mightest ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.' Chap. i. 5. But why should Titus be left there to ordain elders, if the eldership might be assumed at pleasure, or be conveyed by private brethren? There is not in all the gospel history, a single example of ordination, or recommendation to the work of the ministry, by any other than the bishops and elders of churches; and to such only are given the directions relating to this matter.

We find also, that in case a complaint arises against a minister, it is to be referred, not to private brethren, but to elders or pastors of churches. To Timothy as a bishop is this instruction given by Paul. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 1 Epistle, v. 19. He is cautioned not to ordain any to the ministry, but such as could bring a good report; for when one desires an office, it is incumbent on him to exhibit evidence of his qualifications. But against one already in office a bare report is not to be received; there must be an accusation supported by two or three witnesses, to eject him from office, or bring him under censure.*

*To approbate and recommend candidates for the ministry is the appropriate duty of ministers. In this duty, great caution and fidelity should be exercised, that the churches may not be deceived. Regard should be had not only to their soundness in faith, and their acquirements in knowledge, but also to their pious and virtuous character. They must have a good report.' If there be any ill report, which, if true, would disqualify them for the ministry, and this report have the appearance of credibility, the recommendation ought to be suspended, till the report is examined and disproved, that so they may go forth with a fair reputation. To clear their own character is a duty which belongs to them.