To rush into it, if gifted, or to imagine we are so, at our own hand, introduces the wildest disorder, and the most shocking errors:  it did so at Antioch, and the places adjacent, where some falsely pretended a mission from the apostles.  This, too, was its effect with the German anabaptists, and with the sectaries of England.  Aversion at manual work, pride of abilities, a disturbed imagination, a carnal project to promote self, prompts the man to be preacher.  Such ultroneous rushing is inconsistent with the deep impression of the charge, and the care to manifest their mission, everywhere in Scripture obvious in the ministers of Christ.  However sound his doctrine, great his abilities, warm his address, where is the promise of God’s especial presence, protection, or success, to the ultroneous preacher?  Where is his conduct commanded, commended, or unmarked with wrath, exemplified in the sacred words?  How then can the preaching, or our hearing, of such, be in faith?  How can it be acceptable to God, or profitable to ourselves?  For whatsoever is not of faith is sin.  Falsely this preacher pretends a mission from Christ:  wickedly, he usurps an authority over his Church:  rebelliously he deserts his own calling, and attempts to make void the office his Saviour has appointed; to frustrate the dispensation of the gospel committed to his faithful ambassadors.  For how can they fulfil their ministry, if others take the work out of their hand?  How can they commit it to faithful men, if, not waiting their commission, men rush into it at pleasure?

In vain pleads the ultroneous preacher, that a particular mission to the office of preaching and dispensing the sacraments was only necessary, when the gospel was preached to the heathen.  From age to age, it is as new, to children as new, to such as never heard it.  Nor, when hinting the necessity of a mission, does the inspiring Spirit make any distinction, whether the gospel be newly dispensed or not. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.  In vain he pleads an immediate commission from God:  in his infallible statutes, having fixed standing rules of vocation to the ministry, by the mediation of men, God gives us no command, no encouragement, to hope for an immediate call, till the end of time.  Absurdly then we allow any to have such a call, till we see the signs of an apostle wrought in him.  It is not sufficient he be sound in his doctrine, exemplarily holy in his life, active in his labors, disinterested in his aims, seeking not his own, but the honor of Christ, not his own carnal profit, but the spiritual welfare of men:  every ordinary preacher is, or ought to be so.  But, to this claimant of a mission uncommon, working of miracles, or such extraordinary credentials, must demonstrate he hath not run unsent.