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other of the association, concerning their qualification for the evangelical ministry; and that no particular pastor or congregation employ any one in occasional preaching, who has not been recommended by a Testimonial under the hands of some Association.

The churches by degrees fell in with the plan, which was thus proposed to them; and it at length became a part of their settled polity. At a meeting of the General Convention of New-Hampshire, held at Exeter, July 29, 1747, it was voted as follows; Whereas we think piety and learning, particularly a good acquaintance with the Scriptures, and a conversation as becomes the Gospel, necessary qualifications, among others mentioned by the Apostle, in a preacher of the Gospel; we AGREE not to encourage or approve any as candidates for the ministry till they are recommended by some Association; unless they are persons, who have preached for some time, and have been approved of by ministers and churches acquainted with them.

$120. Of the examination previous to licensing.

It is deemed, therefore, against the Order of these churches for a person to offer himself as a preacher without a Testimonial or a License from an Association; and also for a church to accept of such an offer, and thus encourage an irregular proceeding. Licenses are granted, however, by the Minor or Primary, and not by the General Associations.

The persons, applying for such purposes, undergo an examination; and the great responsibility, therefore, of introducing an ignorant or an immoral person into the ministry rests with the body, to whom this power is committed. They are bound to withhold their assent to the request for a License, until they are satisfied, that the applicant possesses the requisite qualifications. And it is

implied in this, that they are to obtain satisfactory evidence of moral and religious character, of church relationship, of worthy motives and desires in reference to the ministry, and of suitable attainments in literature and theological knowledge.

There is reason to believe, that the confidence of the churches has not been misplaced, and that the power of Licensing to preach has been rightly and wisely reposed

in the Associations.

§ 121. Length of time, for which Licenses are granted. No uniform principle appears to be established in respect to the time, for which Licenses are given. Generally they are without limit, but sometimes are given for a few months, a year, or two years, or some other designated period. In such cases, they may be renewed at the expiration of the specified time, if the Licentiate sees fit to renew his application, and no objections have arisen.

§ 122. Form of the License.

Every License is in such form, and expressed in such language, as the Asssociation deems most suitable; but generally it is concise and merely to this import; That the person, having appeared before the Association at the time and place mentioned, had given them satisfactory evidence of a good moral and religious character, and of regular church standing; That the Association are satisfied also in respect to his literary and theological qualifications; And that they accordingly testify their approbation of him as qualified to preach the Gospel, and recommend him as such, wherever the Divine Providence may call him.

123. Of annulling or revoking Licenses.

Licenses are, from their very nature, conditional.

They are given for a particular purpose; and they suppose, both in their present and in their future operation, the existence of certain qualities in the persons, to whom they are granted.

The existence of these qualities forms the condition, on which the License is granted. If, therefore, the Licentiate be found on public trial either mentally or morally deficient, the Association have a right to annul or revoke the License. This right has been fully acknowledged by the churches; and it is the duty of the respective Associations to see it fully exercised, when occasion requires.

CHAPTER XIII.

REMOVALS OF MINISTERS.

$124. Early Congregational views of ministerial removals.

The character of a minister has ever been highly esteemed in these churches; and in ordinary cases it has proved a matter of no small difficulty to unloose the bond, which unites them to their people. It was said with undoubted truth, more than an hundred years ago, that the translation of a pastor is a thing more seldom occurring, and more hardly obtained in the churches of New England, than in many other of the Reformed churches. This state of things may result in part from the character and early associations of the people themselves; and still more from the nature of the ministerial arrangements. The engagement, which binds a minister to his

charge, is of a kind too sacred to be lightly entered into ; and the difficulty of its dissolution naturally corresponds to the great caution and seriousness, with which it was formed.

The language, which has come down to us from the early times, is to this import ;—“ A pastor, settled in the service of a people, is to be so sensible of his designation by the Spirit, and the providence of the Lord Jesus Christ, for that service, and of the account that he must give unto God about his behavior in it, that his removal must not be rashly attempted, but with much consideration, consultation, supplication, and sincere desire to follow the conduct of heaven in it. The frowns of God use to follow removes, that have not so been regulated."

125. Treatises or authorities on this subject.

Still it is an acknowledged principle, that cases may exist, in which the removal of a minister from his people is suitable and necessary. The subject of removals of this kind, which are of a voluntary, and not of a disciplinary or compulsory nature, does not appear to be taken up in the Platform. But as it was a matter of much practical importance, it was early considered in the Cambridge Association, referred to at §112; and their opinions were made known in an Article, entitled, Propositions concerning the Cases, wherein a Minister may leave his people.

These propositions are referred to in the New England Brethren's Ratio Disciplinæ; and the sentiments, which are expressed in them, are spoken of, as being the sentiments and the rule of the churches. In a Treatise of Dr. Increase Mather, entitled, A Seasonable Testimony to Good Order in the Churches, published in 1720, and in which the concurrence of the Boston Ministers is stated to be had, the same PROPOSITIONS are mentioned,

as Decisions of acknowledged authority. Without doubt the Usage of the churches, which in all cases is supposed to be founded on its serious convictions of duty, and is, therefore, their rule or Law, is in agreement with them. Hence it will be suitable to refer with confidence to the PROPOSITIONS in the consideration of the present subject.

§ 126. First class of cases, justifying a minister's removal.

The first class of cases, which may rightly lead to a minister's departure from his flock, seems to be founded on the obvious principle, that his usefulness among them greatly depends on their confidence, goodwill, and love. "In case there be arisen, (say the PROPOSITIONS,) those incurable prejudices, dissentions, animosities, and implacable offences between a pastor and his people, that all reverence for, and benefit by, his ministry is utterly to be despaired of, he may be removed. The want of success otherwise, is not a sufficient cause of removal, but it is to be endured, with all humble patience by the minister, as a great affliction; and, yet with this encouragement, that God will reward him, SECUNDUM Laborem, non seCUNDUM PROVENTUM.'

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§ 127. Second class of cases, authorizing removal.

The second class of cases, in which a minister's connection with a particular church may be dissolved, appears to be founded on the principle, That there is a general good of the churches, which ought to be consulted in preference to the immediate prosperity of any particular church. Hence the claim of such particular church, although it may be to them a painful sacrifice, ought to yield to that of some public Religious Societies, such as Missionary or Education societies; and also to the claim of Theological Seminaries, and the like; the

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