commanding his people _to try the spirits_, to try false
prophets, and to flee from them, 1 John iv. 1, 2, necessarily imports a
right to choose the worthy, and reject the vile; to choose what suits
our edification, and to reject what doth not; for, if we must receive
whoever is imposed, there is no occasion for trial, we can have no
other. The privilege of trial here allowed to his people by Christ
plainly supposes their having some ability for it; and, by a diligent
perusal of his word, and consulting his ministers, they may become more
capable. Has our adored Redeemer thus intrusted to his adult members the
election of their pastors? at what peril or guilt do any ministers or
laics concur to bereave them thereof, thrusting men into the evangelic
office by another way; thus constituting them spiritual _thieves_ and
_robbers_? Instead of being _gentle_ to church members, as a _nurse
cherisheth her children_; instead of _condescending to men of low
degree_, and _doing all things to the glory of God_ and the _edification
of souls_, is not this to set at naught their brethren; exercise lordly
dominion over the members of Christ; and rule them with rigor?

In the oracles of God, where is the hint, that the choice of pastors for
the Christian people is lodged in any but themselves?--Since men
apostolic and inspired put the choice from themselves to the Christian
people; who can believe that it belongs to the clergy? Acts i. and vi.
When Christ avers _his kingdom is not of this world_; when he threatens
judgment without mercy to such as in his worshipping assemblies more
readily give a seat to the rich, with his gold ring and gay clothing,
than to the poor; can it be imagined that he has intrusted the choice of
his ambassadors to men, for their greatness?

There is indeed a haughty objection often stated against the people's
choice: Shall a cottager, poor and unlearned, who pays not one farthing
of the stipend, and at next term will perhaps remove from the
congregation, have an equal choice of a minister with his master, a
gentleman, a nobleman, of liberal education, of distinguished abilities,
who is head of a large family, has a fixed property and residence in the
parish, and furnishes almost the whole benefice? Will you fly in the
face of our civil law? Will you plead for the method of choosing church
officers, which already has produced so much strife, bloody squabbling,
or riot? If Christ's _kingdom_, as himself when dy